Took a glance through recent posts and didn't see this yet, so here it is: 2012 Fiat 500 Sport vs. 2011 Mini Cooper - Comparison Test - Car and Driver Spoiler: Mini wins, but it costs a lot more so it better have won! The downsides to the 500 are as expected: plasticky interior, sloppy shifter, high seating position/tippiness, relatively weak engine. "The Mini Cooper’s more flexible powertrain, more capable chassis, and greater comfort combine to make a car that is as fun as it looks. No doubt, the 500 has style. But the Mini has style and agility."
I have heard many MINI people point the "plastic interior" on the 500 right away. It is funny to me, because every since I have been on the nets, folks have been complaining about the "plastic interior" on the MINI. Now ours seems to be OK. :lol: Jim
MINI = High quality German plastic you know... :smilewinkgrin: I have finally seen one up close. Looks OK to me, but does look like a cheaper car. Glad they are here, but would not buy one. Did I mention all that plastic?ut:
I saw one at the Lane Auto Museum and was not impressed. The interior wasn't all that bad, it was the exterior of the car that I didn't like. I looks like they crossbred a MINI with a VW Bug. . .small and cute but no 'tough' factor at all.
Plastic does not really bother me in either car. I too am glad they are here and I agree that it does not reach out grab me, but not a complete turn off either. It is the 1st Gen, so lets see where it goes. We need more small cars in the u.S. Jim
I can agree with a "wait and see" stance but the exterior could definitely use some beefing up. BTW, Jim. . .is that a donut on your stubby in your garage picture?
I agree completely that the exterior is close, but does need some work. Almost an old 500, but just not exactly there yet. Yes sir it is a doughnut. Compliments of, none other then our very own, "Crashton" and cohorts Mark and Karol form MoM, at MOTD. Jim
Very nice! I love me some donuts. . .the kind you can eat (as long as it's not Krispy Kreme) AND the kind you do in an empty parking lot in the rain.
Honestly, I just think they are ugly. :frown2: The new 500 Abarth could make 250 hp and run 13 second quarter miles while holding .99gs on the skid-pad. I still wouldn't get one.
I believe Krispy Kreme was the first doughnut shop of its kind, back in the day and I remember them as a wee tike. I actually still like them, but it might be nostalgia setting in. The one you see is, in fact, real and eatable. :biggrin5: Jim
Just way to tiny for me. The Fiat 500 may be a great car but it is way to tiny for my taste. I had one back in 1959 when I was sixteen years old but I don't think I want another one. They are just too small for Americn roads. There is no way to compare it to a larger Mini. The Mini looks huge next to the 500. This was my Fiat 500 back in 1959
I think the European Abarths do a good job of turning the 500 into something sporty without falling into the boy-racer trap (dependent upon moderation of decal application, of course). From what I've seen on Top Gear the Abarth is great fun to drive, too. After sitting in a new 500 I'm skeptical about just how sporty they can feel: The driving position is high (and I already think the MINI's seat is too high) and the clutch and shifter don't feel very precise. Abarthification might solve the clutch and shifting, but the tallness of the car is what it is. Regardless, I gave a thumbs up the other day to the first 500 I saw on the road because they're on the right track.
They are a nice small car. The Fiat 500 is probably a great car but to compare it to A Mini is not possible because they are not even close to being the same size. They are just plain "TINY" and more like a Smart for four. (Tall & Skinny) plus "TINY" The Mini is also A great car. Maybe that is why every car company has to advertise that their cars are as good as a Mini, Remember Cadillac, Hummer, Juke,Etc. (Now Fiat) I loved my Fiat 500 but that was fifty two years ago. I still like them only I think I will stick to my Mini Cooper. We now have a Fiat dealer here in Daytona so I'm going up to test drive one when I get the time. Then I'll really know if they are even close to a Mini in comparison.