Merc A45 to Abarth 595: am I mad?
Discussion
I am thinking of swapping my A45 to an Abarth 595 Competizione. Who's got any experience of going to a car with half the power, and size, to use every day?
I am essentially wanting the swap to accommodate buying an old 182 or equivalent and getting into some knockhill trackdays, but still have something fun to drive every day! I am also a bit fed up of sticking my foot in it for a few seconds and be well into daft speeds for the roads. (Although that's mainly my fault since it's remapped)
Saying that, I don't if I'll end up missing the mental acceleration of the A45. Anyone provide some opinions since asking the misses doesn't exactly help...😂
I am essentially wanting the swap to accommodate buying an old 182 or equivalent and getting into some knockhill trackdays, but still have something fun to drive every day! I am also a bit fed up of sticking my foot in it for a few seconds and be well into daft speeds for the roads. (Although that's mainly my fault since it's remapped)
Saying that, I don't if I'll end up missing the mental acceleration of the A45. Anyone provide some opinions since asking the misses doesn't exactly help...😂
I went from dailying a Golf R to an Up GTI, although I still use the Golf once or twice a week. Sometimes I miss the outright acceleration, but the flip side is that you can drive the Up at 9/10s and still stay within the realms of the law. I find it a less competent car, but it’s flaws a foibles give it a character that is missing from the Golf.
One thing to make sure of is that the difference in driving position isn’t too much of a shock.
One thing to make sure of is that the difference in driving position isn’t too much of a shock.
The Fiat is very shouty, hard and not particularly quick in the grand scheme of things. Too compromised for the performance on offer if you ask me. It's also one of the oldest cars out there, having only just had a mild facelift since production started.
Personally I'd go for a Fiesta ST or a Cooper S, both of which outperform the 595 and aren't so unnecessarily hard that you regret getting in them every morning.
Personally I'd go for a Fiesta ST or a Cooper S, both of which outperform the 595 and aren't so unnecessarily hard that you regret getting in them every morning.
I don't think so.
I swapped out my A45 too. I thought it was a fantastic thing and glad I experienced it, but a bit too accomplished, a bit too fast and a bit too much of a hatchback.
I never really felt special enough in it, I only did short commutes (probably damaging it and had irresponsible use of right foot) and the wife thought it was too boy racerish for me, although I didn't have any of the aero and it was quite restrained.
I have a fun car in the garage for every now and then and now an average but comfy daily to cruise around in and am much happier.
When I had my 500 and mini one I would have picked the 500 over the mini and can only imagine the 595 is a great car and driving enjoyment is a lot more important than power or speed on todays roads.
However if you are going to get your speed and fun fix from the Clio don't rule out something soft wafty and relaxing to compliment it.
I swapped out my A45 too. I thought it was a fantastic thing and glad I experienced it, but a bit too accomplished, a bit too fast and a bit too much of a hatchback.
I never really felt special enough in it, I only did short commutes (probably damaging it and had irresponsible use of right foot) and the wife thought it was too boy racerish for me, although I didn't have any of the aero and it was quite restrained.
I have a fun car in the garage for every now and then and now an average but comfy daily to cruise around in and am much happier.
When I had my 500 and mini one I would have picked the 500 over the mini and can only imagine the 595 is a great car and driving enjoyment is a lot more important than power or speed on todays roads.
However if you are going to get your speed and fun fix from the Clio don't rule out something soft wafty and relaxing to compliment it.
Moonpie21 said:
However if you are going to get your speed and fun fix from the Clio don't rule out something soft wafty and relaxing to compliment it.
I tend to agree. I have a Meg R26 with mods which is brilliant fun but a 120d Auto BMW for every day stuff. It's nice inside, has most toys and is comfy and quiet and fits in parking spaces easily. I fancy a M140i or even M2 Comp but they are too nice/expensive/compromised for daily driving for me. Plus they are a lot more money. When it's pissing down, the roads are filthy, etc I am glad it's not anything nicer.Interesting how often I hear about these 4WD mega hatches being too competent. I first heard it with EVOs back in the day but have heard it with Golf Rs, Focus RS, and A45s.
Currently own both an A45 and a 595.
595 is not comfy at all, kind of basic inside and on long motorway journeys I end up with back pain (Sabelt seats), boot space is poor and can feel a bit cramped in the back. You will certainly notice the difference in power when you put your foot down compared to the A45.
That said, I tend to use the fiat for bumbling about and it is here it becomes a bit of blast to drive. Kind of reminds me of an old mini in the way that it handles, you can chuck it round corners and as you aren't going that fast anyway it feels like you are "on it" all the time. And with the Monza exhaust it sounds like it wants to be a racing car when it grows up. You'll be able to upset the 320D brigade but anything over that then don't bother.
All in all the Abarth is pretty decent and I have kept mine for over 4 years while others (Elise, 911 turbo) have all been moved on.
595 is not comfy at all, kind of basic inside and on long motorway journeys I end up with back pain (Sabelt seats), boot space is poor and can feel a bit cramped in the back. You will certainly notice the difference in power when you put your foot down compared to the A45.
That said, I tend to use the fiat for bumbling about and it is here it becomes a bit of blast to drive. Kind of reminds me of an old mini in the way that it handles, you can chuck it round corners and as you aren't going that fast anyway it feels like you are "on it" all the time. And with the Monza exhaust it sounds like it wants to be a racing car when it grows up. You'll be able to upset the 320D brigade but anything over that then don't bother.
All in all the Abarth is pretty decent and I have kept mine for over 4 years while others (Elise, 911 turbo) have all been moved on.
I went Golf R > Leon Cupra 290 > R53 Cooper S.
I think the mini only has about 180bhp with a reduced pulley, airbox mod and exhaust on it but it doesn't feel slow after the other cars. I think due to it's small size and the instant delivery and sound of the supercharger it feels quicker than it is. If I was doing a longer commute (currently do very few miles) I would probably grow tired of the mini quickly. The tiny boot isn't practical, the interior quality is crap and the ride is very bouncy. However, for my current use it's much more fun than the Golf or Lean ever were. It's fast enough, makes fun noises and it is absolutely brilliant on a B road.
I think the mini only has about 180bhp with a reduced pulley, airbox mod and exhaust on it but it doesn't feel slow after the other cars. I think due to it's small size and the instant delivery and sound of the supercharger it feels quicker than it is. If I was doing a longer commute (currently do very few miles) I would probably grow tired of the mini quickly. The tiny boot isn't practical, the interior quality is crap and the ride is very bouncy. However, for my current use it's much more fun than the Golf or Lean ever were. It's fast enough, makes fun noises and it is absolutely brilliant on a B road.
Baldchap said:
Personally I'd go for a Fiesta ST or a Cooper S, both of which outperform the 595 and aren't so unnecessarily hard that you regret getting in them every morning.
I love my Cooper S because it has just about enough power to enjoy(189bhp/feels torquey though) and not feel too slow, it sounds good from inside and outside(I've been used to very muted Bmw's regarding noise). Plus the interior feels interesting/nice place to sit and it isn't horrendous on a long journey either. I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
I should add I work away on a rota so I don't do the daily commute in traffic so being "overly daily" isn't an issue. I am out and about driving everyday though. In terms of a car having some toys my last three have been; an Integra type R, Starlet Glanza and a Blobeye STI. The only thing I really use in the A45 is the bluetooth, climate control and cruise control the odd time 
I think I'll miss the glass roof though.
The feedback sounds pretty positive so far so that's good, cheers!
I haven't actually looked much at the Cooper S but having a quick scroll through they look great value and the new shape is lovely to my eye, being a bit bigger will probably come in good use too. I actually got my A45 from a Mini garage down South and was surprised how nice the JCW's looked up close in person.
I'm sure the Fiesta ST would be ideal but it just doesn't do it for me for some reason.
I think it will be a toss up between a 595 and Cooper S/JCW after a test drive in a couple months.
I think I'll miss the glass roof though.The feedback sounds pretty positive so far so that's good, cheers!
I haven't actually looked much at the Cooper S but having a quick scroll through they look great value and the new shape is lovely to my eye, being a bit bigger will probably come in good use too. I actually got my A45 from a Mini garage down South and was surprised how nice the JCW's looked up close in person.
I'm sure the Fiesta ST would be ideal but it just doesn't do it for me for some reason.
I think it will be a toss up between a 595 and Cooper S/JCW after a test drive in a couple months.
Edited by jamiemce on Thursday 14th February 12:46
cerb4.5lee said:
I love my Cooper S because it has just about enough power to enjoy(189bhp/feels torquey though) and not feel too slow, it sounds good from inside and outside(I've been used to very muted Bmw's regarding noise). Plus the interior feels interesting/nice place to sit and it isn't horrendous on a long journey either.
I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
I think that as a petrolhead you have to go to the point of experiencing cars with more power than is useful to fully appreciate these less powerful cars. More fun more of the time.I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
nunpuncher said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I love my Cooper S because it has just about enough power to enjoy(189bhp/feels torquey though) and not feel too slow, it sounds good from inside and outside(I've been used to very muted Bmw's regarding noise). Plus the interior feels interesting/nice place to sit and it isn't horrendous on a long journey either.
I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
I think that as a petrolhead you have to go to the point of experiencing cars with more power than is useful to fully appreciate these less powerful cars. More fun more of the time.I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
Frimley111R said:
Interesting how often I hear about these 4WD mega hatches being too competent. I first heard it with EVOs back in the day but have heard it with Golf Rs, Focus RS, and A45s.
I have had my FL A45 for over 2 years, its extremely well setup and far more fun my RS3s where. However if i drive it at 6/10ths the speed is always sitting in the automatic ban range on a clean license, if i drive it how i would like to at 9/10ths it would always be sitting in the automatic jail rangei love it but having something you could make use of without always risking a ban or jail is very tempting
mate has an abarth and spanks the nuts of it, its a lot of fun
Edited by Dave Hedgehog on Thursday 14th February 16:12
Glad you posted this as I'm thinking of doing almost exactly the same thing. Love my TTRS especially the noise but a bit like you, find myself doing silly speeds in no time at all with very little effort. Personally i'm looking at the new Fiesta ST, test drove one last week and what a riot it was, such good fun! A neighbour has one and it sounds great for a 3 pot too. Not driven the 595 but think it looks great!
Costs wise I've worked out I will save roughly £100 per month on Tax, insurance, extended warranty, fuel, servicing. Money in the bank to spend on some Mountune goodies and trackdays I think
Let us know how you get on!
Costs wise I've worked out I will save roughly £100 per month on Tax, insurance, extended warranty, fuel, servicing. Money in the bank to spend on some Mountune goodies and trackdays I think
Let us know how you get on!
No ownership experience but i’ve always admired and kind of wanted a 595, even test drove one (sadly just a trofeo not a competizione) and it was great fun with a great sounding exhaust.
The fact 2manycarz on here still rates his biposto (obviously takes the abarth to another level!) above absolutely insane machinery says it all to me. He can and does have literally any car you could dream of but still thinks the 695 is one of the funnest.
The fact 2manycarz on here still rates his biposto (obviously takes the abarth to another level!) above absolutely insane machinery says it all to me. He can and does have literally any car you could dream of but still thinks the 695 is one of the funnest.
I’ve driven all 3 of the above (JCW, Abarth, Fiesta ST) and all I’d say on the Abarth is the low power ones are slow and also to check the seating position works for you- caused havoc with my shin splints and couldn’t wait to get to out!
+1 for the Mini. The only car I’ve owned and missed.
+1 for the Mini. The only car I’ve owned and missed.
cerb4.5lee said:
I love my Cooper S because it has just about enough power to enjoy(189bhp/feels torquey though) and not feel too slow, it sounds good from inside and outside(I've been used to very muted Bmw's regarding noise). Plus the interior feels interesting/nice place to sit and it isn't horrendous on a long journey either.
I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
+1. I regret turning my nose up at Mini's in the past...because I've missed out on a car that is great fun to drive and it always puts a smile on my face. Mines a 2017 model and from what I've read the two earlier generations are even more fun. I'd recommend one big time.
I've just went the opposite way: Cooper S > m140i. Its been a week and I miss the Mini already.
If you go for one of the F56 models (newest shape) they have decent tuning potential should you miss the shove of the A45. Cooper S will go to 280bhp with a map, JCW will go to 300+. Cracking little cars. Arguably a better interior than the A class as well, my GF had one and I much preferred the Mini's interior.
I bought my R53 as a stop gap when my leased cupra went back. Something to scratch an itch and keep me mobile while I decided what I wanted next. It's really thrown a spanner in the works for me as while I could do with a bit of extra practicality from time to time I don't find I'm looking for more power/performance than the mini offers.
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