I don't know but this is a no contest, the BRZ/FRS twins seem way more practical , way more trunk space, tad bit better in the snow RWD and better handling. Also the FR-S makes 200 hp at higher rev range and weighs 2,758–2,806 lb while the abarth weighs 2600 lbs and is front wheel drive and 160 hp. You can still hoon in an abarth just as much as an FR-S, but from test driving the FR-S/BRZ multiple times I doubt the abarth can give as much of a sensation of connecting to the road as the twins. Although, the exhaust of the abarth is sick.

Better in the snow?! R u on glue?

Abarths are going to end up cheap on the used market, methinks. Like I said before, a hell of a FWD car. For fun, I'd easily take it over the Focus ST. I'm not sure about the Fiesta in comparison. The Abarth is shorter, narrower, and lighter. It should be insane on a canyon road.

^ Fiesta ST all day.


Ken Block, Nuff Said.

Fiesta can be very hard on its tires.

And rims

Hard on wear items? Pay to play. Get better tires and a proper alignment and you wouldn't have that problem. Considering most of us are enthusiasts here, toss in some suspension bits and you have a stupid quick FWD go kart with A/C.

Speaking solely in terms of a Fiat, the performance bargain is the straight 500 Turbo model (not the Abarth). It's $19,500 base with the same engine as the Abarth, just detuned (or lacking of the extra grunt provided by the ECU when pressing the Abarth's sport button).So a track build with a base 500 Turbo would look something like this.

2477 lbs / 2387 lbs (w/rear seat delete)
203 HP / 239 lb.ft TQ

$19,500 Fiat 500 Turbo MSRP (new)
+$900 Dyno-comp Stg 1 ECU Tune
+$850 Koni shocks & Springs combo or ST Coilovers
+$950 Wilwood BBK
+$600 Summer/Track tires (16" will do). Your choice.
$22,800 Fiat 500 "USA Competion Spec"

This would be a beast at the Auto-X or track. No it wouldn't offer the pure driving pleasure of an FRS/BRZ/86. However if we're going to toss cars like the high COG, front drive Fiesta ST ($22,195 msrp, 2700 lbs, 197 hp, 202 lb.ft tq) against a Fiat, dollar for dollar new an upgraded Fiat 500 Turbo would absolutely smoke the Ford. It's 400 lbs lighter, and has more HP and TQ.

As far as new cars go, an upgraded 500 Turbo may actually be the current performance bargain king if we're talking purely about lap times per dollar. Now that sounds strange, but for these prices I'd love to see another new equipped so well, weigh so little, and have so much power. Otherwise, on the strength of it's chassis dynamics, platform, and aftermarket, give me an '86 all day.

Sorry, joke. I was thinking of the Block video where he toasts all four tires down to rim sparking.

Canada's Abarth is rated at only 160 bhp.

Isn't the Abarth fitted with different rear suspension also?

Yes. That was my primary reason when I was looking at the 500's to pick the Abarth over the Turbo. The extra $3k gets you a LOT more.

Fr-s VS. Fiat 500 Abarth
 

The abarth has the same twist beam rear suspension it's just 40% stiffer with different springs and shocks

I test drove a 500, not the Abarth, but I think it was the sport, or maybe pop. That thing gave a horrible ride. You ride over a pebble and it feels like you just hit the worlds worst pot hole. From what I gather, the Abarth is no different. I also found it's handling rather disappointing. Not like a go-cart at all. But the biggest problem is it's ride comfort. I don't care how many horses you jam under the hood, or how the exhaust sounds, I wouldn't want to drive one everyday.

So, a huge difference in handling between the Abarth and "lesser" 500?

Should be a bunch less understeer and a choppy ride in the Abarth. Wonder what would be the effect if you just swapped in the axle and shocks?

I also considered one prior to the 86. The Abarth 500 Essesse I drove had a choppy ride and the clutch felt knackered. The seat while being sporty also bit into the sides of my behind. Was so disappointed. :( Was really hoping it would be good. :(

I don't get you guys at all. I LOVED the Abarth, but I love the FR-S even more. Tiny cars are a blast. You have room to play.

Edmunds TMV puts the Abarth a mere 1000 or so above the Turbo. At that price, the Abarth is an easy choice.