Panda 100hp time
Discussion
That would be a great little car for a track day.
A few of me and my friends have gone from higher HP more expensive cars to lower powered cheaper cars for track days. I currently use my 206 GTI (140 bhp one) over my modified MK1 Leon currently as you can attack every corner flat out where the Leon i couldn't. You wont regret it
A few of me and my friends have gone from higher HP more expensive cars to lower powered cheaper cars for track days. I currently use my 206 GTI (140 bhp one) over my modified MK1 Leon currently as you can attack every corner flat out where the Leon i couldn't. You wont regret it
Like anything, a track day will be just a matter of finding the time, but I fully intend to do it.
In the more dull world of commuting I averaged 43.5mpg over the first 2k miles with it, I've ran it on super for the last couple of weeks and seen 44mpg easily, and it does feel a bit more sprightly to boot.
It's also been working hard, tip runs completed with ease, and it will fit a ladder inside, just!
I've lifted my self imposed ban on spending on my cars and the Panda was first to benefit with a £69 hunter wheel alignment from Kwik Fit.
I knew the alignment wasn't 100%, unsurprisingly given so much of the suspension is new, but it really has transformed the car, there's so much more grip and traction from what I thought were high levels before.
Took it for a dawn drive on Sunday and it put the biggest smile on my face, getting a corner just right then revving the engine right out to the red line is so satisfying, and it's all happening relatively slowly!
I think I mentioned my distain for the Abarth badges on the first post, and it turns out it's an even bigger problem than I thought. The amount of people who have asked me something to the effect of 'I didn't know they did an Abarth one of them?' to which I have to say that it isn't has really surprised me! Even the guy at Kwik Fit mentioned it so I marched straight to the Fiat dealer and ordered the right ones, £84 well spent!
If anyone has any good adhesive removal tips for paint please let me know as this needs to go too!
In the more dull world of commuting I averaged 43.5mpg over the first 2k miles with it, I've ran it on super for the last couple of weeks and seen 44mpg easily, and it does feel a bit more sprightly to boot.
It's also been working hard, tip runs completed with ease, and it will fit a ladder inside, just!
I've lifted my self imposed ban on spending on my cars and the Panda was first to benefit with a £69 hunter wheel alignment from Kwik Fit.
I knew the alignment wasn't 100%, unsurprisingly given so much of the suspension is new, but it really has transformed the car, there's so much more grip and traction from what I thought were high levels before.
Took it for a dawn drive on Sunday and it put the biggest smile on my face, getting a corner just right then revving the engine right out to the red line is so satisfying, and it's all happening relatively slowly!
I think I mentioned my distain for the Abarth badges on the first post, and it turns out it's an even bigger problem than I thought. The amount of people who have asked me something to the effect of 'I didn't know they did an Abarth one of them?' to which I have to say that it isn't has really surprised me! Even the guy at Kwik Fit mentioned it so I marched straight to the Fiat dealer and ordered the right ones, £84 well spent!
If anyone has any good adhesive removal tips for paint please let me know as this needs to go too!
Having previously taken some badges off, I'd recommend you get some dental floss, get that behind the badge and work the floss along to break through the adhesive.
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
I've still got a soft spot for these (history of hot hatch ownership here). It's the type of thing I'd hope to add in 10 years time when my kids start driving: something that's still fun to drive when their dad 'borrows' it.
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
Followed a slammed blue one out of Taunton on Saturday evening. He was having loads of fun!
I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
whytheory said:
Get a bottle of Goo-Gone off Amazon and pop a bit on with a soaked paper towel or something. Then work any sort of thread you've got- fishing wire, string, an elastic band, anything that isn't metal basically, behind the badge and it'll pop off. A bit more Goo-Gone to remove the residue and then give it a good wash and you'll be free of the shackles of 'Abarth Power'.You may well need to give it a good paint correction though... I removed the incorrectly placed 125i badge from my car and even after an admittedly amateur polish it still shows up in the right light.
Always been a big fan of the idea of the Panda 100HP- I have very fond memories of my R50 MINI and it does seem like these are cut from a very similar cloth, while being more practical and more reliable!
Edited by Sofa on Tuesday 28th June 03:00
Thanks for all the 100hp love, glad I'm not alone in having wanted one for so long, I have to say I couldn't be more pleased with it and it totally lives up to expectation.
Camera phones have come on a bit!
The Puma would definitely win a magazine test, in-fact I know that Autocar did a twin test between the SportKa and the 100hp and gave the nod to the Ford. I don't have to re-read that review to know what will have swayed them, the 100hp doesn't have the steering feedback of the Fords and it doesn't have the throttle adjustability.
Personally I only miss half of one of those things, the Fords steering is very nice but It's also very nice to be able to park with almost no effort. I'm sure everyone is much more used to electric power steering since the 100hp was new.
On the throttle adjustability it doesn't have the lively rear end of the Puma, instead it's incredibly grippy and neutral. I have gone into a corner way too hot in it and it tightened its line on the brakes in a way I wasn't expecting. The puma would likely have got out of shape in the same scenario. Of course if you're Tiff you can use that to your advantage, but I am not!
Basically it's much more predictable and user friendly and I like that on the road, I find it more entertaining because the trust I have allows me to push harder.
As for most other aspects of being a car, the Panda wins hands down.
I was worried because a Panda 4x4 hire car I had did give me a bit of back ache but these are lovely.
There's also an OMP strut brace & ulster sport back box (sounds pretty stock tbh), the guy I bought it off returned it to OEM suspension from the lowered kit it had on it.
Cambs_Stuart said:
Having previously taken some badges off, I'd recommend you get some dental floss, get that behind the badge and work the floss along to break through the adhesive.
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
Then use a good quality tar remover to take off the reminder. Some people have recommended WD40, but I like harsh chemicals.
The panda looks good. Like the rainbow picture!
Sofa said:
Get a bottle of Goo-Gone off Amazon and pop a bit on with a soaked paper towel or something. Then work any sort of thread you've got- fishing wire, string, an elastic band, anything that isn't metal basically, behind the badge and it'll pop off. A bit more Goo-Gone to remove the residue and then give it a good wash and you'll be free of the shackles of 'Abarth Power'.
You may well need to give it a good paint correction though... I removed the incorrectly placed 125i badge from my car and even after an admittedly amateur polish it still shows up in the right light. For me and my driving the 100hp wins hands down but I can see why others would disagree.
Always been a big fan of the idea of the Panda 100HP- I have very fond memories of my R50 MINI and it does seem like these are cut from a very similar cloth, while being more practical and more reliable!
Thanks for the advice, I actually have both tar remover and WD-40 sitting in my toolbox so being a tight arse I will start there.You may well need to give it a good paint correction though... I removed the incorrectly placed 125i badge from my car and even after an admittedly amateur polish it still shows up in the right light. For me and my driving the 100hp wins hands down but I can see why others would disagree.
Always been a big fan of the idea of the Panda 100HP- I have very fond memories of my R50 MINI and it does seem like these are cut from a very similar cloth, while being more practical and more reliable!
Edited by Sofa on Tuesday 28th June 03:00
a11y_m said:
I've still got a soft spot for these (history of hot hatch ownership here). It's the type of thing I'd hope to add in 10 years time when my kids start driving: something that's still fun to drive when their dad 'borrows' it.
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
Looks good. Had to double-check that wasn't a banana sticking up from the roof on one of the last photos
PistonBroker said:
Followed a slammed blue one out of Taunton on Saturday evening. He was having loads of fun!
I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
It would make a fantastic first car if insurance allowed but I would get a quote, I wonder if the availability of replacement parts would put insurers off.I'm 44 and had my daughter in the car, so I wasn't going to try and keep up. I imagine he was quite chuffed at dropping a Boxster!
Reminded me I'd half considered one for said daughter next year. Though I expect she'd rather a 500 and I daren't think what insurance might be for a 17yo on one of these!
Mildlyinterestd said:
A lovely thing!
Always fancied one but there isn't as many about these days. Interested to know how it drives compared to your Puma, I think that's the most go kart like car I've ever had and wondered if the Panda was as fun.
I'm glad you mentioned my Puma as I realised I had a picture of it in the exact same place, it happens the rainbow appeared outside the dealer I bought it from (nearly 10 years ago, gulp!). Always fancied one but there isn't as many about these days. Interested to know how it drives compared to your Puma, I think that's the most go kart like car I've ever had and wondered if the Panda was as fun.
Camera phones have come on a bit!
The Puma would definitely win a magazine test, in-fact I know that Autocar did a twin test between the SportKa and the 100hp and gave the nod to the Ford. I don't have to re-read that review to know what will have swayed them, the 100hp doesn't have the steering feedback of the Fords and it doesn't have the throttle adjustability.
Personally I only miss half of one of those things, the Fords steering is very nice but It's also very nice to be able to park with almost no effort. I'm sure everyone is much more used to electric power steering since the 100hp was new.
On the throttle adjustability it doesn't have the lively rear end of the Puma, instead it's incredibly grippy and neutral. I have gone into a corner way too hot in it and it tightened its line on the brakes in a way I wasn't expecting. The puma would likely have got out of shape in the same scenario. Of course if you're Tiff you can use that to your advantage, but I am not!
Basically it's much more predictable and user friendly and I like that on the road, I find it more entertaining because the trust I have allows me to push harder.
As for most other aspects of being a car, the Panda wins hands down.
MrBig said:
Always wanted to drive on of these, they just get so much praise, never seen a bad word said about them!
Have you got the Abarth Sabelt seats in there? They are brilliant, really supportive and comfortable too.
Yes well spotted, not all the POs mods were bad like the badges, they are great seats! Have you got the Abarth Sabelt seats in there? They are brilliant, really supportive and comfortable too.
I was worried because a Panda 4x4 hire car I had did give me a bit of back ache but these are lovely.
There's also an OMP strut brace & ulster sport back box (sounds pretty stock tbh), the guy I bought it off returned it to OEM suspension from the lowered kit it had on it.
I had one of these, was brill.
Before me, it was owned by Dan Friel on here, hello Dan if you are watching!
Brilliant car. Absolute hoot when you were 'on one'.
When you weren't 'on one' it was somewhat tiresome and flawed but i knew that going into it.
Have to say though...with the mention of Pumas above.....
Good though the Panda was....the Puma did it more, for me.
Although the Puma didn't fit the young family in like the Panda did....and the Panda had the more hardcore feel to it.....the Puma was just....sublime to drive hard. Wonderful.
The Panda was "LOL" and "what just happened?!" which was hilarious and worrying in equal measure...but the Puma....was just....wonderful. Apart from the brakes which were a bit pants.
Before me, it was owned by Dan Friel on here, hello Dan if you are watching!
Brilliant car. Absolute hoot when you were 'on one'.
When you weren't 'on one' it was somewhat tiresome and flawed but i knew that going into it.
Have to say though...with the mention of Pumas above.....
Good though the Panda was....the Puma did it more, for me.
Although the Puma didn't fit the young family in like the Panda did....and the Panda had the more hardcore feel to it.....the Puma was just....sublime to drive hard. Wonderful.
The Panda was "LOL" and "what just happened?!" which was hilarious and worrying in equal measure...but the Puma....was just....wonderful. Apart from the brakes which were a bit pants.
I had a Panda 100hp, it was in free white with sunroof and side airbags options, probably one of the best cars I owned. I had it for just over 6yrs and used it as a school run car, I managed to put 65000odd miles on it in the first three years, it was serviced by the supplying dealer from when I got it to when I traded it.
Points of interest, stupidly small 35l fuel tank so constant stopping to fill up, I crashed it at the Nurburgring, a damp right hand corner equals skidding and kissing the bumper into the armco..that was a front end rebuild. also on another trip to the Nurburgring after a few laps around the gp circuit on the way home I overtook a police unit at over 120mph registered on my phone. My son was particularly impressed with that one. That was going down a very long down hill stretch of Autobahn. Great car, GK60WDW where are you now???????? The current owner had better be treating her ok...
Points of interest, stupidly small 35l fuel tank so constant stopping to fill up, I crashed it at the Nurburgring, a damp right hand corner equals skidding and kissing the bumper into the armco..that was a front end rebuild. also on another trip to the Nurburgring after a few laps around the gp circuit on the way home I overtook a police unit at over 120mph registered on my phone. My son was particularly impressed with that one. That was going down a very long down hill stretch of Autobahn. Great car, GK60WDW where are you now???????? The current owner had better be treating her ok...
I can't believe people put crap tyres on these cars, I changed from the Goodyears to Yokos and instantly regretted it, id lost the rollercoaster go-cart and gained a car that felt like it was running on tyres that where on about 10psi in all for tyres. I went back to the Goodyear's and sold the Yokos to someone on the Fiat Forum. Wasnt that much at around £45 a corner for the Goodyears.
Can relate to the stories above, although I maintain it's really surprisingly pleasant below the legal limit on the motorway. There is an awful lot of tyre noise though, but nothing the radio volume can't mask!
I'd like to drive one on the standard 45 section rubber back to back to confirm my suspicion that the increased section really transforms the ride.
I'm also up to an easy 44/45 mpg after having the tracking done, I wasn't expecting that to improve but I suppose it makes sense.
So after being mugged to the tune of £93 at the main dealer I had a set of Fiat badges. The rear popped off with the slightest touch, revealing that it had been stuck on with a load of mastic! Evidently they don't make an Abarth badge to fit the rear of a panda so someone had hacked up a front one and stuck it on this way.
There was a lot more than in this picture, it was nearly an inch thick. This made the adhesive removal process much harder than I expected, however AutoGlym tar remover and a Tesco Clubcard were the only tools required. Fortunately the plastic locating pins had been left behind the mastic otherwise it would have made putting the new badge on much harder. Dental floss made short of the 'Powered by Abarth' badge. The new rear badge is simply self adhesive and I'm so much happier with the car thanks to this small difference.
For anyone interested, the front badge is bolted on with a single central bolt, undoing the four bumper bolts on the slam panel allowed for enough access to change it.
Also, this is more a story for my other thread, but if anyone was wondering - 4x 20" wheels with tyres will fit behind the driver, yes the boot would close!
I'd like to drive one on the standard 45 section rubber back to back to confirm my suspicion that the increased section really transforms the ride.
I'm also up to an easy 44/45 mpg after having the tracking done, I wasn't expecting that to improve but I suppose it makes sense.
So after being mugged to the tune of £93 at the main dealer I had a set of Fiat badges. The rear popped off with the slightest touch, revealing that it had been stuck on with a load of mastic! Evidently they don't make an Abarth badge to fit the rear of a panda so someone had hacked up a front one and stuck it on this way.
There was a lot more than in this picture, it was nearly an inch thick. This made the adhesive removal process much harder than I expected, however AutoGlym tar remover and a Tesco Clubcard were the only tools required. Fortunately the plastic locating pins had been left behind the mastic otherwise it would have made putting the new badge on much harder. Dental floss made short of the 'Powered by Abarth' badge. The new rear badge is simply self adhesive and I'm so much happier with the car thanks to this small difference.
For anyone interested, the front badge is bolted on with a single central bolt, undoing the four bumper bolts on the slam panel allowed for enough access to change it.
Also, this is more a story for my other thread, but if anyone was wondering - 4x 20" wheels with tyres will fit behind the driver, yes the boot would close!
Good work! Sadly due to an expanding family I've just put up our Panda 100HP for sale.
For the money i'm not sure there's a better package for cheap thrills... 45mpg all day long, cheap insurance and B road fun - essentially a large go-kart. Ours has also had a Bilstein B4 suspension refresh and rides much better than the standard shock setup. Will be sad to see it go.
For the money i'm not sure there's a better package for cheap thrills... 45mpg all day long, cheap insurance and B road fun - essentially a large go-kart. Ours has also had a Bilstein B4 suspension refresh and rides much better than the standard shock setup. Will be sad to see it go.
As with the Mercedes that got the wheels above this went up for sale, but unlike the Benz which I priced keenly - I priced this one strong (it's almost as if I don't actually want to sell it 
)
It remains on AT and I would part with it for the right cash but the way I see the prices of these will only go up and I don't want to sell a sorted one only to be unable to afford another!
Luckily I can save some cash by keeping it off the road, I'm currently just day insuring it when I want to use it as I can't find a cheap insurance quote, probably something to do with it being a double cat D... if anyone knows any good classic insurers who would touch this it would be appreciated.
Anyway I'm glad it didn't sell yet as the other week I took it for my first autoSOLO, I hadn't heard of it before, although I had heard of the US version Autocross.
The Panda ought to be mighty at it but it was all a bit of a learning curve for me. I still had a fantastic day out and would recommend it to anyone, it's a great value day of competitive motorsport. There was some cool cars there too, but annoyingly the fastest of all were the MX-5s - maybe I shouldn't have swapped mine after all
)It remains on AT and I would part with it for the right cash but the way I see the prices of these will only go up and I don't want to sell a sorted one only to be unable to afford another!
Luckily I can save some cash by keeping it off the road, I'm currently just day insuring it when I want to use it as I can't find a cheap insurance quote, probably something to do with it being a double cat D... if anyone knows any good classic insurers who would touch this it would be appreciated.
Anyway I'm glad it didn't sell yet as the other week I took it for my first autoSOLO, I hadn't heard of it before, although I had heard of the US version Autocross.
The Panda ought to be mighty at it but it was all a bit of a learning curve for me. I still had a fantastic day out and would recommend it to anyone, it's a great value day of competitive motorsport. There was some cool cars there too, but annoyingly the fastest of all were the MX-5s - maybe I shouldn't have swapped mine after all
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