Picked up new Abarth 500 tonight

[kristoj]

We traded my wife's Prima (#14) for a new Abarth, which we picked up tonight. It is the first one my dealer has received/delivered and according to him, one of only two currently on the ground in Ohio. Below is a picture of the current owner (wife) and future owner (daughter)! I know it is a cliche, but this car doesn't drive or feel anything like our Prima. This isn't just a 500 with 60 extra HP. The steering is heavier and more communicative. The shifter is much more precise and smoother. And the car corners very flat relative to the Prima. And the power...you can pretty much imagine what 60 extra ponies feels like. The only carryover from the Prima that I don't like is the high seating position, though my 5'1" wife loves it. Can't wait to put some miles on it this weekend -- if I can pry the keys out of my wife's hands. I don't know which is more addicting -- the turbo boost or the exhaust note!

John

[So Cal Mark]

great pic! congrats on the purchase. After the mods to my Primas, I imagine the Abarth feels similar except I haven't added quite that much extra power

[FulviaHF]

Congratulations, John!

[kristoj]

Mark,

I always felt that both the brakes and the steering were overboosted in the Prima, which was annoying (particularly the brakes). Since it was my wife's car, I only drove it occasionally and about put myself through the windshield the first time I hit the brakes every time I drove it. The Abarth seems to correct both issues. Honestly, I never had an issue with the shifter in her Prima, but in retrospect, it's pretty crappy compared to the Abarth. My daily driver is a BMW 550i with a 6 speed manual and I can tell you the Abarth shifter feels as good or better than my car. My only criticism after the 60-mile drive home from the dealer (if I want to get very picky) is the high seating position and a bit of noticeable (but not terrible) turbo lag. Some may find the exhaust note a bit too much, but I love it. It was actually pretty quiet on the highway as long as I didn't mash the gas pedal.

[Kent124]

I would be interested in real world mileage you are getting

[kristoj]

Gas mileage isn't something that even crossed my mind. According to the computer, I am currently averaging 20.4 MPG. Keep in mind that is pretty much full throttle/full boost between every shift. It is addicting!

[Kent124]

Keep in mind that is pretty much full throttle/full boost between every shift. It is addicting!

[supplyguy]

Happy for you John. Per my post a year plus ago, the high seating position allowed me to drive 16 hours from Oslo to the Arctic Circle in a Fiat 500 with absolutely no discomfort (6'4" 230 lbs) and I got 39 mpg while flinging the car through secondary roads. Will be interested in how the Abarth compares. My hunch and angst is that while this car will sell big in Europe it will be unappreciated here. We shall see.

[ga.spyder]

So...have you let Cindy drive it yet?? Congrats on the purchase! My God,your daughter has grown up in the 2 years since I last saw her.I showed Rosemarie the picture and she couldnt believe it.I spent some time driving Denises' Prima recently.I agree with you re. the brakes and seating,although I was very comfortable in the car after getiing used to it.So,does the Abarth have a trailer hitch,so you can use it to tow the '56'Mille Miglia to FFO?

[mdrburchette]

OMG! I am soooo jealous! I'm still torn between letting my #19 go and diving into the Abarth world or keeping my Prima. I have 30k miles on the car and it is a very functional, fun car to drive. I'm afraid if I drive an Abarth, it'll be all over.

[kristoj]

Craig:

She has grown into quite the little lady (for 12 years old, anyway). She is already the same height and shoe size as her mother. Hoepfully, she'll be able to come to FFO with us this year. My son will probably have to stay back for football. And no, The Abarth can't tow the other Abarth But we are toying with the idea of towing the old one and driving the new one.

Denise:

Do yourself a favor and DON"T drive the Abarth. We were very torn about trading in our Prima #14 as it had only 7,900 miles on it. We chose not to expose it to the rough, salty Ohio winter and stored it in the garage for several months. In any event, the Abarth is from a different universe and after three days, no one is missing the Prima here