Fiat 500 vs 128i cabrio

MOCKBA · 10-22-2011, 05:31 PM

Just got some advertisement material for Fiat 500 in mail today. It looks quite appealing comparing to 128i. Unfortunately no good technical data, so I can only guess on something. Sure it has just 1.4 liter engine with 101hp, but 5 speed manual transmission can make it blast considering that weight of the car should be much lower. The car has all latest electronics, BT and iPhone/iPod + USB support. Leather seats. Cabrio edition looks cool also, it looks like you can open roof in matter of few seconds. But one thing most important, the car is double cheaper than 128, but still European origin, same country for Maserati and Lamba. Any thoughts?

Pangloss · 10-22-2011, 05:50 PM

One comes with Jennifer Lopez. The other does not.

P1 · 10-22-2011, 06:42 PM

Having seen both, the quality of the Fiat cannot match the BMW. Have you sat in one before? Quite cheap on the inside...

BimmerE82 · 10-22-2011, 06:46 PM

No where near or even close to the fit and finish of a BMW!

ulrichd · 10-22-2011, 07:34 PM

Wait for the Abarth model in Feb 2012. Rumors have it around from 150 hp. Now that will be a blast.

GerryL · 10-22-2011, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Just got some advertisement material for Fiat 500 in mail today. It looks quite appealing comparing to 128i. Unfortunately no good technical data, so I can only guess on something. Sure it has just 1.4 liter engine with 101hp, but 5 speed manual transmission can make it blast considering that weight of the car should be much lower. The car has all latest electronics, BT and iPhone/iPod + USB support. Leather seats. Cabrio edition looks cool also, it looks like you can open roof in matter of few seconds. But one thing most important, the car is double cheaper than 128, but still European origin, same country for Maserati and Lamba. Any thoughts?

If you're thinking that these are comparable vehicles than you're not putting much value on chassis competence. The better comparison with the 500 is a mini, and the 500 has come up seriously in second place to the Mini in every performance comparison that has been published. I won't spend much time on how a Mini compares to a 1 series, but suffice to say, you have to be oblivious to handling and chassis compliance to be considering a FWD econo chassis with a beam rear axle to be a reasonable comparison. (And if anything, I'm predjudiced the other way, as I've owned 3 Fiat 124's and two Alfa GTV6s in years past, but the 500 is not a chassis of interest to my performance side.

ulrichd · 10-22-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerryL

If you're thinking that these are comparable vehicles than you're not putting much value on chassis competence. The better comparison with the 500 is a mini, and the 500 has come up seriously in second place to the Mini in every performance comparison that has been published. I won't spend much time on how a Mini compares to a 1 series, but suffice to say, you have to be oblivious to handling and chassis compliance to be considering a FWD econo chassis with a beam rear axle to be a reasonable comparison. (And if anything, I'm predjudiced the other way, as I've owned 3 Fiat 124's and two Alfa GTV6s in years past, but the 500 is not a chassis of interest to my performance side.

I think the original poster is just looking for a fun droptop. Not all people are hardcore enthusiasts. I'll still test drive the Abarth when it comes out, FWD be damned - it weighs 700 lbs. less than my 128.

ken1137 · 10-22-2011, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GerryL

If you're thinking that these are comparable vehicles than you're not putting much value on chassis competence. The better comparison with the 500 is a mini, and the 500 has come up seriously in second place to the Mini in every performance comparison that has been published. I won't spend much time on how a Mini compares to a 1 series, but suffice to say, you have to be oblivious to handling and chassis compliance to be considering a FWD econo chassis with a beam rear axle to be a reasonable comparison. (And if anything, I'm predjudiced the other way, as I've owned 3 Fiat 124's and two Alfa GTV6s in years past, but the 500 is not a chassis of interest to my performance side.

+1...just drove a Fiat 500...borrowed a rental from someone while my car was in the shop. the 1.4 liter engine is not safe with all of the speeders here in Chicago. BTW...there is no chance J-Lo's ASS fits in those seats

1speedbike · 10-22-2011, 11:03 PM

Don't shoot me for this, but I think I would take the turbo'd Abarth 500 over a 128i if Abarth tunes the chassis to my liking. I love the 128i, though. Though, test driving a 6 speed 128i without having ever driven a BMW before was ridiculously fun.

thez99 · 10-22-2011, 11:51 PM

Gotta say the new Fiat's look like pieces of shit, specially the "convertables"

sherman9800 · 10-23-2011, 01:48 AM

I'm sorry but even though I don't own a BMW right now, there is no way I'd be caught dead in a Fiat. It's not even a comparison to me. Granted I've never driven one but just the thought makes me want to barf. 128i vert all the way.

fullboost · 10-23-2011, 03:40 AM

There is nothing fun about 101hp.

evolution80 · 10-23-2011, 05:50 AM

would never buy an italian car

quality is supposed to have improved in the latest lamborghini and ferrari models but anything else... (and i would always buy a porsche turbo s over any ferrari or lamborghini if money would not be an issue)

i love a certain italian shoe brand and most of their food though

jmc777 · 10-23-2011, 07:57 AM

Did the advertisement include some funny smelling smoking material?

danielbeast · 10-23-2011, 10:08 AM

Is there an optional J-Lo package? Probably would come with an upgraded sound system and more trunk space. I might get one then.

drinkcoke3 · 10-23-2011, 10:25 AM

i had a fiat500 rental while my car was in the shop for body work

that car is fun to drive simply because of the corners it can master, but dont be fooled - the 100hp motor is a POS!! that car was so slow, and as stated above, virtually unsafe on these roads.

20 seconds to get from a merge to highway speeds is unreasonable IMHO (but im also used to doing it in under 5 seconds)

the car was comfortable inside for a low end car and could use some serious upgrades, but i think that a well tuned chasis, motor, and luxury components would make this a fantastic competitor for the mini S (which i had before the 135)

Xtian · 10-23-2011, 10:53 AM

If you're serious, Edmunds has a FIAT as one of their long-term vehicles.

http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...iat-500-sport/

It's a beautiful clown car, in my opinion. Send in the clowns.

ESC OFF · 10-23-2011, 03:02 PM

Hey if it's good enough for Michael Schumacher....

RoundelM3 · 10-23-2011, 03:55 PM

I'll take my '11 6MT 128i M-sport Cabrio over the Fix It Again Tony 500 ANY day. Just got through driving 500 miles in the 128 this weekend - a lot of it "spirited" driving with top down on curvy back roads behind an E46 M3 and some Z4/Z4M cars - had no problem keeping up on the straights or the turns. Can't imagine 500 miles in that little Italian tomato can - I'm 6'4", and I probably would have to sit in the back seat to drive it with any degree of comfort.

bimmerfile · 10-23-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MOCKBA

Just got some advertisement material for Fiat 500 in mail today. It looks quite appealing comparing to 128i. Unfortunately no good technical data, so I can only guess on something. Sure it has just 1.4 liter engine with 101hp, but 5 speed manual transmission can make it blast considering that weight of the car should be much lower. The car has all latest electronics, BT and iPhone/iPod + USB support. Leather seats. Cabrio edition looks cool also, it looks like you can open roof in matter of few seconds. But one thing most important, the car is double cheaper than 128, but still European origin, same country for Maserati and Lamba. Any thoughts?

Dude, if you like the Fiat Cabrio, go for it..

thez99 · 10-23-2011, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnut

Dude, if you like the Fiat Cabrio, go for it..

Yea and we'll cya a week after begging for a trade or sale

ulrichd · 10-23-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESC OFF

Hey if it's good enough for Michael Schumacher....

Exactly, in his last "fake Stig" Top Gear interview he said his daily driver was a 500 Abarth.

10-22-2011, 05:31 PM	#1
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	Fiat 500 vs 128i cabrio Just got some advertisement material for Fiat 500 in mail today. It looks quite appealing comparing to 128i. Unfortunately no good technical data, so I can only guess on something. Sure it has just 1.4 liter engine with 101hp, but 5 speed manual transmission can make it blast considering that weight of the car should be much lower. The car has all latest electronics, BT and iPhone/iPod + USB support. Leather seats. Cabrio edition looks cool also, it looks like you can open roof in matter of few seconds. But one thing most important, the car is double cheaper than 128, but still European origin, same country for Maserati and Lamba. Any thoughts? __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
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10-22-2011, 05:50 PM	#2
Pangloss Lieutenant 28 Rep 563 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	One comes with Jennifer Lopez. The other does not. __________________ 2012 135i convertible, DCT, Black/Beige, HK, Prem, M sport, no nav. Last edited by Pangloss; 10-22-2011 at 05:59 PM..
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10-22-2011, 06:42 PM	#3
P1 Lieutenant General 11563 Rep 11,135 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Having seen both, the quality of the Fiat cannot match the BMW. Have you sat in one before? Quite cheap on the inside...
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10-22-2011, 06:46 PM	#4
BimmerE82 Captain 105 Rep 837 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Sport package Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Tucson, Arizona iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [7.00]	No where near or even close to the fit and finish of a BMW! __________________
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10-22-2011, 07:34 PM	#5
ulrichd Colonel 210 Rep 2,233 Posts Drives: 128i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (6)	Wait for the Abarth model in Feb 2012. Rumors have it around from 150 hp. Now that will be a blast.
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10-22-2011, 11:03 PM	#9
1speedbike Brigadier General 732 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2022 X4 M40i, 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MKE iTrader: (15)	Don't shoot me for this, but I think I would take the turbo'd Abarth 500 over a 128i if Abarth tunes the chassis to my liking. I love the 128i, though. Though, test driving a 6 speed 128i without having ever driven a BMW before was ridiculously fun. __________________ 2022 X4 M40i - 2008 135i - 2015 F700GS On Order - 2024 i4 M50 Scruffy's gonna die the way he lived... Mmhm.
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10-22-2011, 11:51 PM	#10
thez99 Colonel 152 Rep 2,757 Posts Drives: 2017 Audi A4 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Arden, NC iTrader: (5) Garage List 2013 BMW 135i [0.00]	Gotta say the new Fiat's look like pieces of shit, specially the "convertables"
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10-23-2011, 01:48 AM	#11
sherman9800 New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: Lexus Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	I'm sorry but even though I don't own a BMW right now, there is no way I'd be caught dead in a Fiat. It's not even a comparison to me. Granted I've never driven one but just the thought makes me want to barf. 128i vert all the way.
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10-23-2011, 03:40 AM	#12
fullboost Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 204 Posts Drives: '11 M3 DCT Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SD, CA iTrader: (0)	There is nothing fun about 101hp.
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10-23-2011, 05:50 AM	#13
evolution80 Captain 146 Rep 697 Posts Drives: M3 F80 silverstone Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: austria iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 M3 F80 [0.00] 2010 bmw e92 xdrive ... [10.00]	would never buy an italian car quality is supposed to have improved in the latest lamborghini and ferrari models but anything else... (and i would always buy a porsche turbo s over any ferrari or lamborghini if money would not be an issue) i love a certain italian shoe brand and most of their food though __________________ if you're cast on thin ice, you may as well dance enjoy your cars Last edited by evolution80; 10-23-2011 at 05:56 AM..
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10-23-2011, 07:57 AM	#14
jmc777 Private First Class 21 Rep 114 Posts Drives: 2020 X2 M35i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: West Chester PA iTrader: (3)	Did the advertisement include some funny smelling smoking material?
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10-23-2011, 10:08 AM	#15
danielbeast Sweatshop Worker 0 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albuquerque iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 135i [0.00] 1984 BMW 528e [0.00]	Is there an optional J-Lo package? Probably would come with an upgraded sound system and more trunk space. I might get one then. __________________ 2009 BMW 135i 6MT 1984 BMW 528e 5MT with e2i conversion
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10-23-2011, 10:25 AM	#16
drinkcoke3 Captain 41 Rep 792 Posts Drives: 135i + F25 X3 35i FBO Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [0.00]	i had a fiat500 rental while my car was in the shop for body work that car is fun to drive simply because of the corners it can master, but dont be fooled - the 100hp motor is a POS!! that car was so slow, and as stated above, virtually unsafe on these roads. 20 seconds to get from a merge to highway speeds is unreasonable IMHO (but im also used to doing it in under 5 seconds) the car was comfortable inside for a low end car and could use some serious upgrades, but i think that a well tuned chasis, motor, and luxury components would make this a fantastic competitor for the mini S (which i had before the 135)
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10-23-2011, 10:53 AM	#17
Xtian Illuminated 11 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (0)	If you're serious, Edmunds has a FIAT as one of their long-term vehicles. http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...iat-500-sport/ It's a beautiful clown car, in my opinion. Send in the clowns.
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10-23-2011, 03:02 PM	#18
ESC OFF Major 40 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 1M, CaymanS, 914, 500 Abarth Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Hey if it's good enough for Michael Schumacher.... __________________ The faster you go, the better it feels
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10-23-2011, 03:55 PM	#19
RoundelM3 Major General 1833 Rep 6,987 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	I'll take my '11 6MT 128i M-sport Cabrio over the Fix It Again Tony 500 ANY day. Just got through driving 500 miles in the 128 this weekend - a lot of it "spirited" driving with top down on curvy back roads behind an E46 M3 and some Z4/Z4M cars - had no problem keeping up on the straights or the turns. Can't imagine 500 miles in that little Italian tomato can - I'm 6'4", and I probably would have to sit in the back seat to drive it with any degree of comfort. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey Last edited by RoundelM3; 10-24-2011 at 08:17 AM..
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