Lease ending, keep or get Abarth

[the1andonly]

Hi All,

My lease is ending on my awesome perfectly cared for 128i manual black on black. I've maintained it perfectly, only managed to but 30000 miles in three years on it. It has Apex Arc 8s wrapped in brand new Continental DWS tires, 1M front bumper, BMW Performance Exhaust and LCI blackline taillights. But then something happened. my fiancé and I bought a FIAT Abarth convertible a few weeks ago and its all we drive. I honestly havent driven my car but once since just to keep the fluids running. And when I did it didnt feel nearly as fun as the Abarth.

So here is my dilemma. my lease is up and its the same price to buy my 1 or get another new Abarth (one just for me since my fiancé drives our current one 85% of the time). She hasnt stepped foot in her Range rover evoque since either. I can get a great 2015 Abarth, for $200 less than what my lease on 1 series was.

My only hesitation is that my 128 is a rare manual. its been flawless. and when I trade it in thats it, an amazing car is gone forever. that perfect NA inline 6.

But honestly. Id rather drive the FIAT. Its that good! Anybody else ever drive the Arbarth, what were your impressions?

[Diver]

Keep the beemer, just my thought.

[Teqnik]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. I'm partial to the 128i, but damn, that Abarth is sharp.

[angler]

keep the one as you will have best of both worlds.

[davis449]

I'd buy a GTI before an Abarth...but that's just me.

[SAM135iAM]

I am a successful business man and, "I drive a BMW." vs. "I drive a Fiat."

[Esteban]

That Fiat looks like a fancy Smart car with a body kit imo.

[vertebra]

2nd on the GTI! Other small cars that I would look at before the Abarth... Mini Cooper S, Fiesta ST(Great Reviews) or Focus ST.


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[Spannerhead]

You're asking the question on a BMW 1-Series forum, so obviously we're going to be biased in favor of the 128.

Get what you enjoy driving. That's what the E82/E87 is all about anyway. Personally I would wait a week or two more just to see if the "Abarth honeymoon" lasts. Once the excitement of the new fades you might find yourself pining for the 128 again. If not, pass it on. There are plenty of us out here looking for manual 128s.

[Dackelone]

IDK... that's a tough call. I've seen a few Abarth's around here with four (factory)tail pipes... they sound really mean, and the exhaust pops and crackles just as nicely as a PE on a 135i.

A new(er) car is always nice to drive.

[NYHoustonman]

I couldn't blame you for going the Abarth route. That thing makes an incredible noise and just looks like a blast. I'd personally consider a Fiesta ST before an Abarth, but either is definitely a cool car. That said, there's something to be said about a bit of variety, and knowing nothing more about your situation I don't know how much sense a second car of the same type really makes...

Also, I've personally never been involved in a situation in which my choice of car impacted how others felt about me in a way that really matters, other than enthusiast vs. non-enthusiast. If one car makes you feel better than the other, than who cares what others think? Let's not reinforce that badge recognition stereotype BMW drivers are known for...

[IEDEI]

a household with 2 of the same car is a household that is quite simply BORED. life is too short to be repetitive and without progressive movement. stagnation.

sounds like you should get rid of the 128...and NOT buy an Abarth. Get something else...the Abarth or the 128 are not the only fun cars out there. Most people think the Fiesta ST is even more entertaining to drive than the Abarth.

Oh and sell that Evoque.

[Overpar56]

Originally Posted by davis449

I'd buy a GTI before an Abarth...but that's just me.

+1. Interior on the GTIs are so much better and more room. Turbo lag on the Fiat would be a deal killer for me..

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...-abarth-page-2

If you go with another Abarth, don't get the same color

[bimmer74]

Meh, I drove an Abarth and was not impressed. The manual shifter had long, imprecise throws, there was huge turbo lag and a very awkward high seating position. The exhaust note was cool but would get old pretty quick. Throw BMW PE exhaust on your 128i and it will sound better. Overall the Fiat is not in the same league as a 128i.

[DS/B MCS]

Take a spin in a Mini Cooper S before you sign any paperwork on the Fiat

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

IDK... that's a tough call. I've seen a few Abarth's around here with four (factory)tail pipes... they sound really mean, and the exhaust pops and crackles just as nicely as a PE on a 135i.

A new(er) car is always nice to drive.

I have to disagree, Dackel. That doesn't sound anything like my car. To me it sounds more like an unbalanced washing machine.

[IEDEI]

if you want something "entertaining"....do NOT get a GTI....they are boring as fuck. have driven many...owned an A3 2.0T (same thing).....it's not even really a 'hot hatch'...GTIs these days more like mini-Luxury cars....catering to regular drivers as a 'fun option' while not being fun at all, really.

[doublevanosrc]

Personally I would keep the 1er you're really gonna miss that inline 6 snarl and rear wheel propulsion feeling. Trust me you might not see it now but don't make that same mistake I did, I like my GTI but I should of kept my 135. All these new cars today have some kind of filtered feeling that just does not connect with the driver that well.

[m981addicts]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

IDK... that's a tough call. I've seen a few Abarth's around here with four (factory)tail pipes... they sound really mean, and the exhaust pops and crackles just as nicely as a PE on a 135i.

A new(er) car is always nice to drive.

Nice exhaust note (not as nice as ours). A GTI rolled next to me today and I swear it had an electric motor because I couldn't hear it!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by m981addicts

Nice exhaust note (not as nice as ours). A GTI rolled next to me today and I swear it had an electric motor because I couldn't hear it!

Nothing like ours. Compare for yourself. May not be apples to apples comparison, but you get the picture. Listen to the Abarth video at about 1:07 to about 1:30 and tell me that doesn't sound like an unbalanced washing machine banging away in the rinse cycle. It may get a little better but I repeat, nothing like ours.

[the1andonly]

Originally Posted by EvenEsteban

Nothing like ours. Compare for yourself. May not be apples to apples comparison, but you get the picture. Listen to the Abarth video at about 1:07 to about 1:30 and tell me that doesn't sound like an unbalanced washing machine banging away in the rinse cycle. It may get a little better but I repeat, nothing like ours.

Ill be honest, and I have the BMW PE Exhaust on my 128, the exhaust on the Abarth is nothing short of amazing. Its not even CLOSE in terms of sound and tone. The Abarth pops, burbles, backfires and on full acceleration sounds nothing short of bad ass. Its renowned for having the best stock exhaust of any car from the factory short of a few obvious ones. The 128 might be better at alot of things, the exhaust is def not one of them. I urge you all to go test one this weekend, its worth it.

[ASAP]

buy a 135i lol