Maybe fairer to have compared the abarth with the Cooper s than the jcw, the price difference is enormous! 22k for the abarth, 30+for the jcw, not really a fair comparison
Welcome to "Car and Driver" Moaning session. "Which car can we find most faults with this week? Oh I just cant decide, I hate my life and my job, that's why I come to work on a bike!!!!"
I completely agree! This video was nothing but nagging! Don't get me wrong, I like CnD, but this video had that feel of "Well....both cars are just plain bad. Hate the gauges, hate the brakes, hate the seats, hate the feel....blah blah blah...but I guess if I had a gun held to me to own one of these 'Oh so terrible' cars it'd have to be..."
oh i like finding faults... i just don't like the horrible lighting, camera, lack of personality and enthusiasm. shit on the cars certainly, but do it in an entertaining manner- these guys seemed depressed. my advice, take two shots of tequila before you roll
I've had the Abarth since last May and nothing has fallen off. And if you can't reach the steering wheel, move the seat forward. You did notice that the wheel is adjustable, didn't you? At the very least, you should have learned how to pronounce Abarth.
I tested both and bought the abarth 7 days ago and could not be more happy. $995 dollars later I have 2 hundred horsepower out of my fiat...loooove it.
I'm 19 and the abarth was my first car when I was 18. I couldn't have been happier. Since I bought it I have added a handful of modifications to bring her up to 173bhp and I can tell you this car is amazing. The mini? It's great, but has no character compared to the abarth. The mini may be faster and more confirmation, but the abarth gives you more smiles per mile. Period
One hell of car to have when you're 18-19! I picked up my 2015 a couple of weeks ago, such a great car and I love parking it in a heated garage (the exhaust is epic)!
Morgan ///AMG You are right Morgan! - Don't get me wrong, the Mini is a great car but it just does not compare to the abarth. Of course the mini is better quality (and more pricey!), but the abarth is just italian madness!
Car and Driver should pick reviewers that have a clue of what they are reviewing, stop comparing a Fiat or a Mini with a Ferrari, come on be more professional and objective instead of complain about how none of the cars are for you.
My mom drives one of these and i love it. These guys are complaining on a car they dont know a thing about and pretty much acting like they drive lambos to work everyday. This is a great car. But its not a family car, its a race car. These cars arent all special like a 95,000$ range rover. These are 35,000$ cars with a race pack. They were not built for a family to ride in everyday like a clown car. These guys are complaining about a fine piece of work. Like the trunk, and the wheel. If you were racing on a track you most like would want to have most control and have the wheel close. It helps with handling and stuff like that. And complaining about the exhaust is just BS. it sounds like a beast with it being stock. Its a beautiful car just these guys have minds that kniw nothing but opinions.
I had 2 older Mini's, the first one i got from Grandfather,low miles and went fast for a go cart (fun every time you drove it !! ) .Second one was for rally, fun but it fell apart all the time! but put smile on face. lol.
also Carlos abarths background story is he used to modify and race his own abarths. I'd say he left the door open to anyone. 22k for an abarth. plus a seemingly endless list of mods as affordable and we'll made as the car. so 22. check out the Jay Leno's garage and the modified abarth. good enough for Jay Leno. good enough for me.
So perfect this was reviewed in SF. Just non stop wining with no real substance in the review.... San Francisco, where everyone thinks they're some sort of elitists with fingers pointing out but never pointed inward.
I've lived with both for about 1 week each. . . both lots of fun. . . Mini did have better handling. . . Fiat sounded better - especially when rowing through the gears in the canyons.
It just seems like if u were comparing the two cars u would pick the cooper s bc it's in a closer power and price range. So, when u argue well the mini is faster... Well duh it's almost 10 grand more money. No one ever mentions that the mini requires premium fuel either. Idk. Reviewers just came off arrogant too.
I've seen reviews by 2 guys who look 200x manlier than these two but didn't complain about a cars interior or exterior based on manliness. They gave credit where credit is due. I can understand the many thumbs down.
Mini Coopers are my favorite car of all time. But damn...I saw a Fiat 500 and instantly fell in love with the thing. So it's my first car! I'm having SO much fun with it as I'm getting more and more comfortable with the manual transmission.
I flipped through some comments during the ad and the intro and thought "the review can't be that bad". I was a little wrong. Better editing and using reviewers that actually have a pulse would have been a big improvement. The other poster was correct, check other reviews for quicker, precise and upbeat reviews; Driven and TFL Cars (long winded, but at least more in depth)
Mmmm, the black cack. My favorite. It's a family favorite so I'm not surprised. We've been eating black cack for centuries! You're a smart one, alright!
I understand the comparo. These are both Euro hot hatches with roots in the 60's, but the modern versions really are in two different classes size and price wise. To be fair, the comparo should have been between the Abarth and the Cooper S. The JCW is actually 2 engine upgrades above the base and the Abarth is just 1. I believe a more potent 500 is coming too. The Essesse I believe.
SF has so many tunnels-- should have given some nice bits of sound. I'd have the Abarth since it's not the easy choice. That and I'm already used to awkward seating and less-than-perfect dynamics. The Mini speedometer might be in the middle like I'm used to, but it's in a far less practical way.
I don't understand why all you auto journalists keep comparing the 500 Abarth to the JCW Mini. Why not the Cooper S? That seems much more appropriate of a comparison. The JCW is an aftermarket tuner that just happens to sell thru its dealers.
I agree, i like the 500 better than the Mini, but if i had the chance to only drive one car on a windy road it would be no contest the Mini When someone asks u have u ever had the chance to drive a Mini u can say yes and they will praise u for it cause i believe in what Top gear (UK) presenter Jeremy Clarkson says, that we should all start with a mini as our first car because its like a road-going go-kart
I love all these great car reviews that have been coming available on youtube! Now, this Car and Driver one MIGHT not be the best one out there, but it's better than the complete garbage "car reviews" videos that used to be all that were available. Keep'em coming (and improving), CandD!
I own a cooper s and i drove once the abarth 500 it is a very good car but i agree that the mini is a superior car, I also own a porsche and even the comparison between mini and Porsche seats is true, the comments are very direct but true, i think this is a really good comparison
For weeks I have had sleepless nights filled with agony and self loathing, unable to rest I began slipping into insanity. For me this video review of the Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper JCW is a godsend, at long last I have found something to silence the voices in my head and let my mind and soul slip into a deep sleep. Terrible video, wonderful sleep aid.
I felt like I was watching a video made by non-professional car enthusiasts... I suggest editors prepare the words before shooting. You have two men but almost only one is talking all the time. MotorTrend's car reviews are more enjoyable to watch. Please take our advice and make better reviews for all your supporters!
I don't think you guys are wrong...I just think you guys don't like small cars. A lot of your cons were coming from a) prejudice (it's a fiat so bash this part and that part), b) not caring about small cars enough. ALL small cars carry the negatives that you guys mentioned....so you want a bigger car then? You want all Minis to become SUVs??? It's reviewers like you that get cars like the Civic bloating up.
as much as i did not like this review, they did make a good point about the abarth steering wheel positioning vs the pedals and shifter...it is annoying there is no comfort level. Other than that this car is SICKKKKK sounds like heaven
My only question is why not compare the Abarth with the Mini Cooper S which actually in the same price range. The JCW is nearly $7000 more than the Abarth
The MINI cabin might be off-putting to some to start. But like almost anything you'd just get used to it eventually. Also the shifter is not really that easy to be put into reverse; if you can do that accidentally you're probably tugging on it a bit too hard.
In my opinion you get a bang for your dollar with the Abarth vs the Mini. I truly think that you guys (car n driver) wasn't very just to the Abarth, from the get go I saw that you guys disliked the Abarth and well everything else was Mini all the way, so you guys wasn't really fair in your judgments towards the Abarth. If it were me I'm Abarth all the way...
The JCW and the Abarth are an unfair comparison. Here in Canada, there is also a huge difference in price - $23 995 for the Abarth and $36 900 for the JCW (base). These two cars are not in the same camp. The mini S would have been a more appropriate comparison but even then, the S comes in at $28 950. Seeing as there isn't a dramatic difference between the Abarth and the S, pricing tips the scales in favour of the Abarth. I think all 3 models are great though.
I normally don't comment on videos, but I felt compelled to do so on this one. I was extremely interested in this video for the content and while the review itself is informative, the video is honestly a bit flat and boring. These two cars are enthusiast oriented hot hatches, and despite the price and performance gap it could have (and maybe should have) offered a bit more enthusiast content and a bit less Consumer Reports style walking-around-the-car/sitting-in-the-car nitpicking.
I dont know what Mini they were driving. They all rattle when you hit the slightest road imperfection. There is torque steer with the turbo. Parts often fall off in your hand. For 32k you can get the much higher quality and entertaining BMW 1 coupe. The Mini will be loaded vs a striped 1. I think the Abarth with Zero options is a wonderful value. It is completely unique. It is fun on the road. It also sounds amazing. Much more than 23k and there are much better enthusiast cars out there.
I have NEVER had a problem going into 1st and 3rd in a mini. You have to really beat it to get it to go in reverse as you are driving. I did try it when i had my 2005 when i first got it because i was afraid to put it in there as i was driving. My only conclusion is he didnt drive it. Ive never driven a fiat so i can't compare the two, but i am devoted to minis.
I see several advantages in the Fiat. The car offers cheaper fun, can probably be serviced by a larger number of dealers and is slightly sharper looking than the Mini.
I agree and think the Mini is better in every aspect, but still think this is not a fair comparison for the fiat. If you were to pay attention the base 500 competes against the base Cooper... Now the natural competitor of the 500 Abarth is the Cooper S, not the Cooper JCW!
Looked to me that the in the slalom test the mini was about to fly off the track while the mini was sharp and nimble. The mini had a lot of body roll. IMO the Fiat looks better inside and out. I hate that huge speedo in the middle of the dash on the mini. Guess that is why I bought an Abarth. The seating position is a bit high in the Fiat but so fun to drive.
For someone not on a track the steering is subjective. I really wanted a mini but hated the steering and loved the Fiat's. I love being able to accelerate through a corner and let the steering wheel feather out of my hand and straiten itself out perfectly without any effort. The mini by my definition is flat and has to be steered back strait.
Thanks for the comparison. I think if I paid $30,000 for a Mini I would just as we'll by a new Miata, Mustang GT or a used M3. I'm just saying! However I know that Car and Driver wasn't quite sold on the Arbarth, it is giving you the most bang for your buck.
I think it's a fair comparison. Two smaller displacements cars both with turbos, also both higher up trims of the same cars. As cool as the Fiat is, I just think the Mini Cooper would be a better daily driver, especially for looks. I feel like I'd be ashamed driving in something so.. cute?
To a complete neophyte, a person who cares little for cars beyond their cuteness, comparing these two cars makes sense. But when one car costs almost 30% more than the other, and is in a different category (A vs. B) can a review really be of any worth? This review also underlines how some people may be great in print, but do not cut the mustard on video.
Mini has at least 3 different seat options for their cars. The best are the leatherette ones. The premium package with the auto climate control is a completely different ac and is much better.
Although I like the Abarth More aswell in the United States the only Abarth we get is the 160 hp version. We get the 135 hp 500 as the "turbo" or 500T.
Let's be honest, most of us here aren't watching this because we're actually in the market to go pick one of these up. So let's have a little more of what we want to see, the cars flying down the road, and some humour, with a little less: here let me read you the spec sheet.
Top Gear favors the Fiat over the Mini. I bought the Fiat. Love it. The Mini didn't appeal to me aesthetically or comfort wise. I felt the Fiat beats Mini in everyday life and commuting. Drove both, both are great cars, I prefer Fiat.
Great review and unbiased opinions. I will say that it isn't as interesting nor has the production value as MotorTrends video's. Camera work and editing needs some work.
I have talked to the local fiat dealership. if they do the modding for you it doesn't void the warranty. just what I heard from dealership. also the clutch isn't covered either way it can be manipulated by human error on any make and model. the abarth and turbos can be modded easily to have strong boosts with just tuning. the tuning on an abarth isn't the best. and detuned on the turbo. with 600$ you can flash tune it. which would push it to 99% potential. the flash tuner starts at 80% and learns over the course of about a month with gains close to 100%. I'd like to see a mini jcw race a abarth flash tuned fiat
If you were going to run out and buy a Hot Hatch stock where speed and handling are what you want you should first look at the Ford Focus ST, Renault Clio RS or VW Golf GTI.
Any surprise that 2 cars that weigh within a full adult passenger of one another that the 208/207 hp/lftlb beats the 160/170 hp/ftlb car ? $ 7,000+ price difference, and there are a lot of used cars that beat either of these two and probably have a lot more miles in them. But anyway one post here references a $ 995 aftermarket upgrade that gets the Fiat to 200 hp, who knows what the torque is ?
I would like to be able to hear more of each car's exhaust notes in the video, only so much can be conveyed by spoken word. Also would have liked to hear that burnout the mini did. Other than that, its a great vid!
Maybe fairer to have compared the abarth with the Cooper s than the jcw, the price difference is enormous! 22k for the abarth, 30+for the jcw, not really a fair comparison
James Barnes i thought i was the only one bro!
Holy shit these guys are probably the worst, most monotone car reviewers i have ever watched lmao
Testing a 160hp 25k car vs a 208 hp 32k car is somehow fair?
aaron robinson is my favorite reviewer ever. i would love to hang out for an entire day and just listen to him talk shit about everything.
Stop hating on the Abarth.
Love mine
Im getting an Abarth for my first car next month!
So how is the Abarth so far? Do you like it?
buildmorefarms100 love it
What color?
buildmorefarms100 BENCOINTERNATIONAL way to go! hell of fun car. mine is white with white wheels.
Had one as a rental car in Ft. Laudrdale, the 500 that is. The blind spots are horrific in that car. Plus, it looks way too girly for me.
Welcome to "Car and Driver" Moaning session. "Which car can we find most faults with this week? Oh I just cant decide, I hate my life and my job, that's why I come to work on a bike!!!!"
I completely agree! This video was nothing but nagging! Don't get me wrong, I like CnD, but this video had that feel of "Well....both cars are just plain bad. Hate the gauges, hate the brakes, hate the seats, hate the feel....blah blah blah...but I guess if I had a gun held to me to own one of these 'Oh so terrible' cars it'd have to be..."
oh i like finding faults... i just don't like the horrible lighting, camera, lack of personality and enthusiasm. shit on the cars certainly, but do it in an entertaining manner- these guys seemed depressed. my advice, take two shots of tequila before you roll
This is such a lifeless review, so monotone
I love how these guys are so enthusiastic like really you could at least sound happier
I've had the Abarth since last May and nothing has fallen off. And if you can't reach the steering wheel, move the seat forward. You did notice that the wheel is adjustable, didn't you?
At the very least, you should have learned how to pronounce Abarth.
I tested both and bought the abarth 7 days ago and could not be more happy. $995 dollars later I have 2 hundred horsepower out of my fiat...loooove it.
I'm 19 and the abarth was my first car when I was 18. I couldn't have been happier. Since I bought it I have added a handful of modifications to bring her up to 173bhp and I can tell you this car is amazing. The mini? It's great, but has no character compared to the abarth. The mini may be faster and more confirmation, but the abarth gives you more smiles per mile. Period
Comfortable*
One hell of car to have when you're 18-19! I picked up my 2015 a couple of weeks ago, such a great car and I love parking it in a heated garage (the exhaust is epic)!
It really is Brodey! If you are looking at exhaqusts i'd recommend the milltek most definately!
fabio kay the abarth just screams Soul, while the JCW remains completely lifeless
Morgan ///AMG You are right Morgan! - Don't get me wrong, the Mini is a great car but it just does not compare to the abarth. Of course the mini is better quality (and more pricey!), but the abarth is just italian madness!
I've got to agree with other posters here, a comparison between the Abarth and a Cooper S would've been more "apples to apples".
Car and Driver should pick reviewers that have a clue of what they are reviewing, stop comparing a Fiat or a Mini with a Ferrari, come on be more professional and objective instead of complain about how none of the cars are for you.
you guys didn't do a good job, just a miserable one, did you get paid for this ?
I guess I'm in the minority. Aaron's willingness to have some actual negative opinions is refreshing and I find his dry presentation amusing.
Glasses is such a downer.
My mom drives one of these and i love it. These guys are complaining on a car they dont know a thing about and pretty much acting like they drive lambos to work everyday. This is a great car. But its not a family car, its a race car. These cars arent all special like a 95,000$ range rover. These are 35,000$ cars with a race pack. They were not built for a family to ride in everyday like a clown car. These guys are complaining about a fine piece of work. Like the trunk, and the wheel. If you were racing on a track you most like would want to have most control and have the wheel close. It helps with handling and stuff like that. And complaining about the exhaust is just BS. it sounds like a beast with it being stock. Its a beautiful car just these guys have minds that kniw nothing but opinions.
watching these guys is like watching two old guys arguing about soup in an old Manhattan deli.
What weird is they found beefs with the Abarth that no one else seemed to.
I had 2 older Mini's, the first one i got from Grandfather,low miles and went fast for a go cart (fun every time you drove it !! ) .Second one was for rally, fun but it fell apart all the time! but put smile on face. lol.
dynamic personalities
insightful analysis
stellar opinions
transcendent intellects
my mind can’t keep-up with these guys
also Carlos abarths background story is he used to modify and race his own abarths. I'd say he left the door open to anyone. 22k for an abarth. plus a seemingly endless list of mods as affordable and we'll made as the car. so 22. check out the Jay Leno's garage and the modified abarth. good enough for Jay Leno. good enough for me.
Great exterior footage of the cars and nice clips of the city (San Francisco). Thanks for the honest review on preferences between the Mini and Fiat.
So perfect this was reviewed in SF. Just non stop wining with no real substance in the review.... San Francisco, where everyone thinks they're some sort of elitists with fingers pointing out but never pointed inward.
I've lived with both for about 1 week each. . . both lots of fun. . . Mini did have better handling. . . Fiat sounded better - especially when rowing through the gears in the canyons.
Abarth all the way.
It just seems like if u were comparing the two cars u would pick the cooper s bc it's in a closer power and price range. So, when u argue well the mini is faster... Well duh it's almost 10 grand more money. No one ever mentions that the mini requires premium fuel either. Idk. Reviewers just came off arrogant too.
Car and Driver.. You need new people.. I'm open for interviews...
I've seen reviews by 2 guys who look 200x manlier than these two but didn't complain about a cars interior or exterior based on manliness. They gave credit where credit is due. I can understand the many thumbs down.
Mini Coopers are my favorite car of all time.
But damn...I saw a Fiat 500 and instantly fell in love with the thing. So it's my first car! I'm having SO much fun with it as I'm getting more and more comfortable with the manual transmission.
It's also cheaper to maintain and repair than the Beemer-er-Mini. 😁
DEAR REVIEWERS, just 'cause you think you have a lot of issues about a car doesn't make you a good reviewer. It's not about finding flaws!
great stuff guys...I enjoyed it..
I flipped through some comments during the ad and the intro and thought "the review can't be that bad".
I was a little wrong. Better editing and using reviewers that actually have a pulse would have been a big improvement. The other poster was correct, check other reviews for quicker, precise and upbeat reviews; Driven and TFL Cars (long winded, but at least more in depth)
Mmmm, the black cack. My favorite. It's a family favorite so I'm not surprised. We've been eating black cack for centuries! You're a smart one, alright!
seen the abarth on the road and man i love that exhaust sound!
Great review, keep it up.
I understand the comparo. These are both Euro hot hatches with roots in the 60's, but the modern versions really are in two different classes size and price wise. To be fair, the comparo should have been between the Abarth and the Cooper S. The JCW is actually 2 engine upgrades above the base and the Abarth is just 1. I believe a more potent 500 is coming too. The Essesse I believe.
SF has so many tunnels-- should have given some nice bits of sound.
I'd have the Abarth since it's not the easy choice. That and I'm already used to awkward seating and less-than-perfect dynamics. The Mini speedometer might be in the middle like I'm used to, but it's in a far less practical way.
I don't understand why all you auto journalists keep comparing the 500 Abarth to the JCW Mini. Why not the Cooper S? That seems much more appropriate of a comparison. The JCW is an aftermarket tuner that just happens to sell thru its dealers.
I agree, i like the 500 better than the Mini, but if i had the chance to only drive one car on a windy road it would be no contest the Mini
When someone asks u have u ever had the chance to drive a Mini u can say yes and they will praise u for it cause i believe in what Top gear (UK) presenter Jeremy Clarkson says, that we should all start with a mini as our first car because its like a road-going go-kart
the abarth roaring away at 8:50 determined ye are 2 geeks
I agree i have driven both cars and i must say they are both some great cars
i haven't heard this much WHINING since Myra Rudolph did Debbie Downer on SNL. and the hairy guy is clearly in a coma.
I love all these great car reviews that have been coming available on youtube! Now, this Car and Driver one MIGHT not be the best one out there, but it's better than the complete garbage "car reviews" videos that used to be all that were available.
Keep'em coming (and improving), CandD!
They talk about steering feel as it was something to use every day. I would trade steering precision for that great noise from Abarth any time
Actually I was thinking along the same line but was thinking the Beetle turbo since both Mini and 500 are "retro" type cars.
So that is what Jay and Silent Bob are up to now!
I own a cooper s and i drove once the abarth 500 it is a very good car but i agree that the mini is a superior car, I also own a porsche and even the comparison between mini and Porsche seats is true, the comments are very direct but true, i think this is a really good comparison
For weeks I have had sleepless nights filled with agony and self loathing, unable to rest I began slipping into insanity. For me this video review of the Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper JCW is a godsend, at long last I have found something to silence the voices in my head and let my mind and soul slip into a deep sleep. Terrible video, wonderful sleep aid.
I felt like I was watching a video made by non-professional car enthusiasts... I suggest editors prepare the words before shooting. You have two men but almost only one is talking all the time. MotorTrend's car reviews are more enjoyable to watch. Please take our advice and make better reviews for all your supporters!
I don't think you guys are wrong...I just think you guys don't like small cars. A lot of your cons were coming from a) prejudice (it's a fiat so bash this part and that part), b) not caring about small cars enough.
ALL small cars carry the negatives that you guys mentioned....so you want a bigger car then? You want all Minis to become SUVs??? It's reviewers like you that get cars like the Civic bloating up.
as much as i did not like this review, they did make a good point about the abarth steering wheel positioning vs the pedals and shifter...it is annoying there is no comfort level. Other than that this car is SICKKKKK sounds like heaven
I have never seen a Mini Cooper JCW on the road but I have seen fairs everywhere
I am eyeing the abarth as well. Who did you use for the horsepower upgrade?
My only question is why not compare the Abarth with the Mini Cooper S which actually in the same price range. The JCW is nearly $7000 more than the Abarth
The MINI cabin might be off-putting to some to start. But like almost anything you'd just get used to it eventually. Also the shifter is not really that easy to be put into reverse; if you can do that accidentally you're probably tugging on it a bit too hard.
The Abarth has a soul. A Mustang GT, Stingray, BSA Spitfire and the Abarth have souls. Lap times be damned.
In my opinion you get a bang for your dollar with the Abarth vs the Mini. I truly think that you guys (car n driver) wasn't very just to the Abarth, from the get go I saw that you guys disliked the Abarth and well everything else was Mini all the way, so you guys wasn't really fair in your judgments towards the Abarth. If it were me I'm Abarth all the way...
I am glad to see a review with unbiased(please note my SARCASM) reviewers. Jeez!
The JCW and the Abarth are an unfair comparison. Here in Canada, there is also a huge difference in price - $23 995 for the Abarth and $36 900 for the JCW (base). These two cars are not in the same camp. The mini S would have been a more appropriate comparison but even then, the S comes in at $28 950. Seeing as there isn't a dramatic difference between the Abarth and the S, pricing tips the scales in favour of the Abarth. I think all 3 models are great though.
I would pick the Fiat, but then again I'm a fan of small Italian cars. I agree that you should pit the JCW vs one of the Golfs or even Scirooco.
I normally don't comment on videos, but I felt compelled to do so on this one. I was extremely interested in this video for the content and while the review itself is informative, the video is honestly a bit flat and boring. These two cars are enthusiast oriented hot hatches, and despite the price and performance gap it could have (and maybe should have) offered a bit more enthusiast content and a bit less Consumer Reports style walking-around-the-car/sitting-in-the-car nitpicking.
I dont know what Mini they were driving. They all rattle when you hit the slightest road imperfection. There is torque steer with the turbo. Parts often fall off in your hand. For 32k you can get the much higher quality and entertaining BMW 1 coupe. The Mini will be loaded vs a striped 1.
I think the Abarth with Zero options is a wonderful value. It is completely unique. It is fun on the road. It also sounds amazing. Much more than 23k and there are much better enthusiast cars out there.
you guys should do a subaru wrx sti vs a mitsubishi evo
I have NEVER had a problem going into 1st and 3rd in a mini. You have to really beat it to get it to go in reverse as you are driving. I did try it when i had my 2005 when i first got it because i was afraid to put it in there as i was driving. My only conclusion is he didnt drive it. Ive never driven a fiat so i can't compare the two, but i am devoted to minis.
I see several advantages in the Fiat. The car offers cheaper fun, can probably be serviced by a larger number of dealers and is slightly sharper looking than the Mini.
I agree and think the Mini is better in every aspect, but still think this is not a fair comparison for the fiat. If you were to pay attention the base 500 competes against the base Cooper... Now the natural competitor of the 500 Abarth is the Cooper S, not the Cooper JCW!
Where did you find these two charismatic characters?
Probably the JCW because I always wanted to get a mini when I was younger, but never went through with it
Ok. Reached 1:30 in this, and just couldn't watch any more. 1:30 of my life I'll never get back.
the exhaust on the abarth is amazing
Looked to me that the in the slalom test the mini was about to fly off the track while the mini was sharp and nimble. The mini had a lot of body roll. IMO the Fiat looks better inside and out. I hate that huge speedo in the middle of the dash on the mini. Guess that is why I bought an Abarth. The seating position is a bit high in the Fiat but so fun to drive.
For someone not on a track the steering is subjective. I really wanted a mini but hated the steering and loved the Fiat's. I love being able to accelerate through a corner and let the steering wheel feather out of my hand and straiten itself out perfectly without any effort. The mini by my definition is flat and has to be steered back strait.
Did you add a performamce chip to get the extra 40 hp?
Good point - they should be comparing the Abarth with a Mini S.
Thanks for the comparison. I think if I paid $30,000 for a Mini I would just as we'll by a new Miata, Mustang GT or a used M3. I'm just saying! However I know that Car and Driver wasn't quite sold on the Arbarth, it is giving you the most bang for your buck.
I think it's a fair comparison. Two smaller displacements cars both with turbos, also both higher up trims of the same cars. As cool as the Fiat is, I just think the Mini Cooper would be a better daily driver, especially for looks. I feel like I'd be ashamed driving in something so.. cute?
To a complete neophyte, a person who cares little for cars beyond their cuteness, comparing these two cars makes sense. But when one car costs almost 30% more than the other, and is in a different category (A vs. B) can a review really be of any worth? This review also underlines how some people may be great in print, but do not cut the mustard on video.
Mini has at least 3 different seat options for their cars. The best are the leatherette ones. The premium package with the auto climate control is a completely different ac and is much better.
i love that launch.
Although I like the Abarth More aswell in the United States the only Abarth we get is the 160 hp version. We get the 135 hp 500 as the "turbo" or 500T.
Let's be honest, most of us here aren't watching this because we're actually in the market to go pick one of these up. So let's have a little more of what we want to see, the cars flying down the road, and some humour, with a little less: here let me read you the spec sheet.
cool review but I would enjoy more, if it was Punto Abarth vs Mini JCW
Please don't ever allow these 2 to ever make another review. Ever.
you guys are all forgetting... the fiat was meant to be in europe so there are so many more hatchbacks over there
The comments from the viewers are more entertaining than the review.
Top Gear favors the Fiat over the Mini. I bought the Fiat. Love it. The Mini didn't appeal to me aesthetically or comfort wise. I felt the Fiat beats Mini in everyday life and commuting. Drove both, both are great cars, I prefer Fiat.
check out road race motorsports. they sell/develop tons of aftermarket stuff for the abarth and just the regular 500
Which explains that guys issue with the seats. LOL!
how did you get 200 total HP out of your Abarth? What modification did you have done?
Sooooo awesome buddy! Love the comment.
I agree with you guys. The Mini is one of the best sporty small cars (multilink rear!), but they just went overboard with the looks..
I am in shock they found the mini faster than the Abarth. If the Abarth isn't fast... what's the point?
Cool vid! Not a fan of either cars, but if I HAD to, I'd take the Fiat. So raw.
Great review and unbiased opinions. I will say that it isn't as interesting nor has the production value as MotorTrends video's. Camera work and editing needs some work.
I have talked to the local fiat dealership. if they do the modding for you it doesn't void the warranty. just what I heard from dealership. also the clutch isn't covered either way it can be manipulated by human error on any make and model. the abarth and turbos can be modded easily to have strong boosts with just tuning. the tuning on an abarth isn't the best. and detuned on the turbo. with 600$ you can flash tune it. which would push it to 99% potential. the flash tuner starts at 80% and learns over the course of about a month with gains close to 100%. I'd like to see a mini jcw race a abarth flash tuned fiat
If you were going to run out and buy a Hot Hatch stock where speed and handling are what you want you should first look at the Ford Focus ST, Renault Clio RS or VW Golf GTI.
Any surprise that 2 cars that weigh within a full adult passenger of one another that the 208/207 hp/lftlb beats the 160/170 hp/ftlb car ? $ 7,000+ price difference, and there are a lot of used cars that beat either of these two and probably have a lot more miles in them. But anyway one post here references a $ 995 aftermarket upgrade that gets the Fiat to 200 hp, who knows what the torque is ?
I would like to be able to hear more of each car's exhaust notes in the video, only so much can be conveyed by spoken word. Also would have liked to hear that burnout the mini did. Other than that, its a great vid!