Fiat Abarth 500

[JeS10]

Thought i'd share some pictures and info on my Abarth 500. Bought in February, still thoroughly enjoying it - every drive can be an event, or you can be light-footed and see 50MPG. Haven't done much to it and don't really plan to - it is my other half's car 'technically'. It has been remapped and runs a modest 170BHP. I am skeptical that running significantly more would make it a better drive. I have been tempted by the 230BHP kits, that use the GT1446, that I know a few folk are running now.

Next thing will be a 'big brake' conversion, 695 alloys and Bilstein coilovers. I really don't like the 17" petals, but have never been one for altering anything merely superficial - but bigger brakes require a change, or spacers, so I think I can justify it.

I'm needing something to pair with it, a quick estate like a B8 S4 Avant...

Apologies for the woeful iPad pics.








As long as you don't expect it to be something it isn't (its never going to be THAT quick) I could recommend the Abarth 500 to anyone, can't really fault it

[MarvGTI]

Not going to do the Record Monza exhaust ?

[JeS10]

MarvGTI said:

Not going to do the Record Monza exhaust ?

I fancy another exhaust, but won't be replacing the back box only. Even then, the Record Monza might sound good, but it is made out of cheese. I hear nothing but endless valve problems...

[J B L]

I really like these and there Essesse versions. Nice car, don't see many in red, usually black or white.

[billzeebub]

Love these little things. Yours looks stunning. Small Fiats have certainly upped their game hugely from the Cinquecento Sporting that I owned from new as my first car in 95.

[DS3R]

Great looking car,

Tell us more about the map??

[Mouse1903]

What MPG were you getting before the re-map? I'm 50% dual carriageway, 50% town driving and average around 41 MPG in my Esseesse (Shell V-Power only), an extra 9 MPG would be welcome

[JeS10]

Mouse1903 said:

What MPG were you getting before the re-map? I'm 50% dual carriageway, 50% town driving and average around 41 MPG in my Esseesse (Shell V-Power only), an extra 9 MPG would be welcome

DS3R said:

Great looking car,

Tell us more about the map??

The map has made minimal difference, if any. On the motorway, at 65mph without sport-mode on, you'll see 50MPG displayed (haven't worked out the accuracy). To put that in real terms, I drove from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and back - through both town centres and averaged 47MPG. My average over a longer period is somewhere around 40MPG, based on the previous 800 miles - including frequent sport-mode blasts. Perhaps it has improved by 'a few MPGs' but not exactly noticeable in real terms.

The map was done by a guy that maps Alfa Romeos; it boosts now to around 1.4 and holds on to it longer. The torque hike is noticeable. I imagine going for a proper upgrade, including larger turbo, would change the characteristics of the car. Maybe I am making excuses because I just couldn't justify/afford to do it.

Edited by JeS10 on Monday 23 June 14:41

[vrooom]

17" on those? it looked small.

[JeS10]

vrooom said:

17" on those? it looked small.

Yep, those are the 17" petal alloys. I personally don't like the look of them, and want to change to ones I can fit the 4 pot Brembos under. Also not keen on the rear wheel gap...

[lewisf182]

Really do love these! They sound superb for what they are as well.

I imagine with 230bhp being possible they must be pretty rapid? I'm sure 170bhp in such a small car is a hell of a lot of fun though.

[Martin_M]

As above, I happened to walk behind one the other day and it sounded very good as it started up and pulled away.

[Martin_M]

Another drove up my street today - again, well done to Abarth for making them sound so nice at slow speed.

[Martin_M]

I would trade in my beemer for this but it's a tad expensive!

http://fiattech.com/featured-articles/25-motorspor...