Abarth 595 vs Cupra 300
Discussion
The lease on my current 208 GTi will soon be up and I've now a decision to make on it's replacement.
The Cupra 300 is the current 'lease darling' and my local dealers are doing a fantastic offer on it. It ticks all the boxes being comfortable, super quick and mostly sensible.
The 595 Competizione on the other hand is small, has a ridiculous driving position, crap finance offers and is just a little bit daft, it does hoever make me smile just thinking about it and it's just that little bit special.
I'm torn on what to do. The Cupra although on paper is far superior, just does not excite me, the 595 on the other hand makes no financial sense.
I do approx 12k per year with my commute being on relatively quick A roads.
The Cupra 300 is the current 'lease darling' and my local dealers are doing a fantastic offer on it. It ticks all the boxes being comfortable, super quick and mostly sensible.
The 595 Competizione on the other hand is small, has a ridiculous driving position, crap finance offers and is just a little bit daft, it does hoever make me smile just thinking about it and it's just that little bit special.
I'm torn on what to do. The Cupra although on paper is far superior, just does not excite me, the 595 on the other hand makes no financial sense.
I do approx 12k per year with my commute being on relatively quick A roads.
I would say get the 595.... but might be a bit much for 12k miles?
Those sabelt seats are apparently not as comfortable as they look!
You could get a "softer" turismo and just get it mapped to 180. They have exactly the same engine in the Series 4, with the same Garret turbo. So you just need a cal change.
Those sabelt seats are apparently not as comfortable as they look!
You could get a "softer" turismo and just get it mapped to 180. They have exactly the same engine in the Series 4, with the same Garret turbo. So you just need a cal change.
12k miles a year in a hot 500 could be exhausting so think carefully about that.
Never driven a Cupra but if it's anything like the other cars in the VAG stable, I'd imagine you'd have to push it to get enjoyment out of it. Smiles per mile vs the 595 would be pretty low.
If it were me on 6k commuting miles a year I'd go for the 595. More than that I'd have to think more carefully about the roads. You say quick A roads but how are the surfaces? The 595 could turn into a droning rattly PITA in no time if they aren't decent. How much traffic do you sit in?
Never driven a Cupra but if it's anything like the other cars in the VAG stable, I'd imagine you'd have to push it to get enjoyment out of it. Smiles per mile vs the 595 would be pretty low.
If it were me on 6k commuting miles a year I'd go for the 595. More than that I'd have to think more carefully about the roads. You say quick A roads but how are the surfaces? The 595 could turn into a droning rattly PITA in no time if they aren't decent. How much traffic do you sit in?
I've never driven the 595 so can't comment but the Cupra is a great car but slightly boring. I've had a Scirroco R on lease for coming up to 2 years now on lease which is very similar to the 300 and I'm bored of it now. It's very commpitent and comfortable plenty fast enough it's just isn't special at all and I got the same impression from the Leon. My next choice is going to be an e92 M3 that V8 is special. There's also a new Megan's RS out Monday I think, that could be the best of both worlds
I have a Cupra 290 and it is true that at normal driving speeds it is not a laugh a minute but this is a double edged sword, as it is a comfortable car that can make swift progress whilst barely going over 2500 rpm which means doing longer distances is no drama.
But when you do get a chance to gun it, it is a rapid car with unbelievable cornering ability.
But when you do get a chance to gun it, it is a rapid car with unbelievable cornering ability.
Here’s my thread on ownership of a 595 comp https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... I won’t bore you to deaf on ownership as I haven’t driven the seat to compare but I’ll answer everyone’s thoughts:
Sabelt seats are extremely comfortable you have a few that don’t like them but I’d say it’s a minority and probably because they are used too big sofas for seats. I on the other hand hated sliding around in the leather seats of a Turismo if I did a trackday in them I’d end up on the other side of the car.
The softer Turismo is more than just a detuning. The seats are not Sabelt, the brakes are not Brembo, less power, front suspension is different, and the exhaust is different.
As above 12k a mix of motorway A roads and weekend hacks on B roads not a droning rattly PITA and 2k of European driving.
Otispunkmeyer said:
I would say get the 595.... but might be a bit much for 12k miles?
Those sabelt seats are apparently not as comfortable as they look!
You could get a "softer" turismo and just get it mapped to 180. They have exactly the same engine in the Series 4, with the same Garret turbo. So you just need a cal change.
I’ve done nearly 14k this year in mine. Those sabelt seats are apparently not as comfortable as they look!
You could get a "softer" turismo and just get it mapped to 180. They have exactly the same engine in the Series 4, with the same Garret turbo. So you just need a cal change.
Sabelt seats are extremely comfortable you have a few that don’t like them but I’d say it’s a minority and probably because they are used too big sofas for seats. I on the other hand hated sliding around in the leather seats of a Turismo if I did a trackday in them I’d end up on the other side of the car.
The softer Turismo is more than just a detuning. The seats are not Sabelt, the brakes are not Brembo, less power, front suspension is different, and the exhaust is different.
As above 12k a mix of motorway A roads and weekend hacks on B roads not a droning rattly PITA and 2k of European driving.
AJB88 said:
I have a 420ps Cupra and if you drive it everyday it does get boring haha/
I commute in my car and after a year I still want to drive to work and I know every journey will have some entertainment in it. It’s a very childish car and I love it. The 595 Sabelts get mixed reviews, typically by people who drive one for 5 minutes or haven't even tried them.
Ditto the ride & driving position.
I'm 5'11" & just the right side of 18st but after a few longer test drives, I bought one.
It all works well though & a bit of fine tuning helps. I did 180 miles in mine on Monday. No issues, really quite refined on the M way. Cruise control would help your license though!!
The Abarth is a car you instantly fall in love with. So much character, such a lot of fun.
Ditto the ride & driving position.
I'm 5'11" & just the right side of 18st but after a few longer test drives, I bought one.
It all works well though & a bit of fine tuning helps. I did 180 miles in mine on Monday. No issues, really quite refined on the M way. Cruise control would help your license though!!
The Abarth is a car you instantly fall in love with. So much character, such a lot of fun.
ecsrobin said:
Ah yes I overlooked the haha at the end!
You really need to get out and try and book back to back test drives.
Took the plunge and ordered a Cupra 300 in Desire Red.You really need to get out and try and book back to back test drives.
In the end it came down to the monthlies with the Cupra, despite being 10k more, costing far, far less than the Competizone.
Now that wait is on
TheFungle said:
ecsrobin said:
Ah yes I overlooked the haha at the end!
You really need to get out and try and book back to back test drives.
Took the plunge and ordered a Cupra 300 in Desire Red.You really need to get out and try and book back to back test drives.
In the end it came down to the monthlies with the Cupra, despite being 10k more, costing far, far less than the Competizone.
Now that wait is on
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