The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread | Page 30 | FerrariChat

The New Fiat 500 Abarth (only) Thread

Discussion in 'Other Italian' started by dave80gtsi, Apr 29, 2013.

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  1. dwhite

    dwhite F1 Rookie

    My wife wants a 500 for FL. She can't drive a manual, is the abarth worth getting for her. This will be a used purchase. Any input is welcome.
     
  2. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    Sounds like we all need to get together for a fun group drive. Ordered my coated catless, EC tune (replacing the RRM), 6pt cage, cam and a larger turbo lastnight.
     
  3. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
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    Def good buy!!! So fun


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  4. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
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    Yes the extra kick and cool factor def worth it


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  5. 2MS

    2MS Formula Junior
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    I've heard good things about the automatic on the Abarth's. Just make sure you get a 'sorted' car (depending on the year) It's a fun grocery getter for sure!
     
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  6. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    The autos are way stronger than the stick, but not as fun. Most short shift kits bend/bust on hard driving to make matters worse.
     
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  7. definitelysomeday

    definitelysomeday Formula Junior

    Aug 7, 2009
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    Before my kid was born, I used to do a lot of autocross, and some HPDE. Now that she is a bit older, I want to get back into it. What do you think of the Abarth vs a Miata as a first car to get back into the swing of things? A pre owned Miata plus brake and suspension mods is cheap. What about an Abarth? The pre owned car don't seem too expensive. What about the parts?
     
  8. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    It all depends on how serious you want to take it. Personally, the 500 is not my choice, I'd say get an older Miata and fix it up. Either buy something you want to have fun with, or find the things that win, and mimic them. You'll need a bunch of suspension parts for the 500 but when you do it, it is a blast.

    The SCCA is not fond of the 500 in Auto-X
    http://www.fiat500usaforum.com/showthread.php?5366-SCCA-rules-on-500-autocross-eligibility

     
  9. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Nov 26, 2001
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    The 500 is a top-heavy car with a high roll center. I've never driven a Miata, so I can't directly comment.
     
  10. pma1010

    pma1010 F1 Rookie

    Jul 21, 2002
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    I have driven both and have an Abarth loaner in the garage.

    No comparison for your intended use IMO. Miata all the way.

    Philip
     
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  11. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    The best Miatas are the new ones.

    If you’re talking about an old 91 Miata, I’m not impressed with it. I daily drive one as a loaner for a few months.

    I’d take a tuned Abarth any day over and old Miata.
     
  12. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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  13. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Comparison between my 2013 Abarth vs. my GF's 2016 Abarth:

    My car specs:

    500 Madness tune. 500 Madness Go-Pedal
    Stock Cat. Mufferless Magnaflow Exhaust
    Wilwood Big Brake Kit Up front.
    KW V3 Coilovers

    Her car specs are listed a few posts back.


    My car feels alot faster and more raw. I am not sure why. Better response and more torque. Her car feels more refined. Softer. I like how mine drives much more. I love how her's looks.


    Interior:


    Hers looks alot nicer because of the Navi Screen and Digital screen. Her steering wheel feels like a plastic leather although it looks just like mine. Mine feels like real leather. Her leather seats are softer. Her short shifter is alot smoother than my short-shifter. I believe hers is a Neu-F. Not sure what mine is.

    Suspension:

    My KW V3 handles much better than her setup. Feels like a Ferrari :). Her Firehawk tires feel much softer and more comfy than my Pirellis. Can't say which grips better, but the ride is alot better on the Firehawks. Overall, her car feels very smooth.

    Brakes:

    Her Vmaxx brakes are better than my Wilwood brakes. Better response and stopping power. Noticeable.

    Ecu Tune:

    500 Madness vs Eurocompulsion Tune. My car feels faster. Her tune feels more fluid I guess. No weird power/boost jumps. Her car is catless. When my car did not have a cat, it was even faster. I was expecting more performance out of the EuroCompulsion tune. Her car has an upgraded intercooler, EC intake, and turbo smart actuator. My car is stock inside the engine bay.

    I think my car is perfect for my taste and preference and her car is perfect for her. I thought it would be too much car for her, but it really is tamer than I thought it would be. She can handle it.
     
  14. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    The Madness go pedal is more volatile, coupled with a modest piggyback, you will feel faster because you achieve WOT in a shorter pedal throw.

    Her car was just recently built and it has 2200 miles on it. Nothing is broken in or settled so I encourage a spirited drive and put a few thousand miles on it before passing judgement. ;) Is it the phase 1, 2 or 3 tune? Mind you her car won't get heat soak in a hot summer day in a canyon because she has a FMIC, so while the weather is cool and the parts are new, not a lot is going to rock your world. My car took about 3k before everything was seated properly and the tune adjusted for the sum of the parts.
     
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  15. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Guy said Phase 2. Which seems to be their top tune before a turbo upgrade.
     
  16. 2MS

    2MS Formula Junior
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    If you go to the Madness website it states with the mods you listed, - it's a stage 2/3. I have a stage 4 with a Crank/Pulley, Alfa 4C coils and full suspension.

    According to Madness their mods are made to compliment and increase performance without harming the engine or internals. And after having all this done, I would have to agree with their assessment. The car feels more capable and more raw without going over it's limits (especially for a daily driver) However, there are other 'tunes'/'products' out there that can get more out of the 1.4 liter engine that what Madness has to offer but prices goes up (larger turbos, full ECU tune) and not confident on the reliability. (IMO)
     
  17. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    Madness and I have been back and forth quite a bit. I am having them install most of my mods.
     
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  18. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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  19. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    I'm due for a new set of tires. What are the best tires for the car and why?
     
  20. dave80gtsi

    dave80gtsi Formula 3
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    I bought a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires for mine.

    Outstanding value for the money for these, which are sold under the Bridgestone name outside of the US.
     
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  21. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    My GF has these. Pretty impressive. Nice and soft.
     
  22. greg328

    greg328 F1 Rookie

    Nov 17, 2003
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    I’m using Kuhmo Ecsta 17”ers, great value, nice and grippy...


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  23. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
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    Federal SS-595, very pleased with them. Cheap too.
     
  24. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Should I try 215 's instead of 205's this time?
     
  25. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Ordered Firehawks. Didnt come in 215s. Great value.
     

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