Quote:
Originally Posted by Sliver
Okay, last week I took a wicked little car on a test drive. I've always preferred pure horsepower over handling (it can be very expensive if you want both). For example, my daily driver is an AWD 340 HP 300C and my fun car is a Mustang GT. Neither one of those cars is known for being very nimble, but they can accelerate like mad.
Anyway, I test drove a Fiat 500 Abarth. The base Fiat 500 has 100 horsepower or something, there is a Turbo with 130 horsepower, then there is the Abarth with 160 horsepower. 0-60 is nothing to write home about at 6.7 seconds, but peppy for sure. I think this is one of those cars that the 0-60 doesn't do it justice, though.
It's a blast to drive this thing. Corners are fun, the sound is cool (the exhaust snaps, crackles and occasionally backfires), the interior is fun and roomy enough for a 6'3" dude like me. It's only available in stick, which is awesome. I think you can get into one for less than $30K, although I'd only buy one used in a few years for ~$10K.
Pic:
Exhaust clip (I promise this doesn't come close to doing it justice):
In a way, I think it'd be more fun driving this around town in a relatively legal fashion versus driving a super car around town using only about 15% of its potential. What do you guys think of this thing? Any other fun little cars like this that you'd probably get more out of than something that is technically better on paper? |
Well, it has been a few years and sure is shat a used Fiat Abarth is now about $10k. I'm Mustangless and thinking about another fun car to own. This one I want to teach my daughter to drive stick with when she's 14 in a year. The thought of a fun car she would enjoy without enough power to wrap it around a lamp pole is very appealing, as is something that I would enjoy to drive, too. FWD is important on this one as it may become hers when she's 16.
Cars I'm considering:
- Fiat Abarth Cabrio
- Mini Cooper S (possibly convertible)
- VW GTI
The GTI would be my first choice if this was going to be my only car; however, I already have a German car that sort of scratches that itch and there's no point in having two similar cars. I am leaning toward the Abarth. Any thoughts? Other cars I should throw on the list for me/her?