5th Gear Shootout: MINI One vs Fiat 500

Let’s be realistic about the outcome of the result and look at some other facts tan just the lap time. The MINI is much heavier than the 500 and has less bph than the 500. Based on that, you would expect the 500 to beat the MINI with a lot more than just a second. You could say that despite it’s better bhp/Kg ratio, the 500 underperforms.

It’s odd that she likes the “sure footed”, “predictable” handling of the MINI, but behind the wheel of the Fiat, she states that it’s more “alive” and “fun”. Dare I even say it here, she really looked to me like she was having more fun in the 500 (goofy e-brake powerslides non-withstanding). Has the automotive press at large grown bored with our little MINI or is this car actually better than we think?

As I see it, the review of these two economy versions is a bit moot here in the USA since we’ll never see either grace our shores. The real test for us will be pitting the full Cooper version against the upcoming Abarth in a nice head to head challenge with more than a single hot-lap as comparison.

Timmee: “Just” bigger and heavier? That’s actually an enormously important difference; power doesn’t really mean anything without knowing what weight is has to move. Also, in spirit I think the Cooper would be closer to the 500 Sport, they’re both meant as a sporty step up from the base model. Therefore, I don’t really “get” the price argument. Most people who are in the market for either of these cars, will go for a certain level of performance and equipment, never mind if the price is a few thousand euro’s higher.

WRT putting the Abarth against a Cooper, with 150 bhp for the Abarth, I would say it would have to be a Cooper S to be able to stand a chance.

WRT the 500 being more fun, “good” doesn’t necessarily mean fun. The R56 suspension is undoubtedly very good. Is it also fun? I’m driving an R50 Cooper myself, and I’ve had the chance to drive both a R56 Cooper and S last weekend. I too actually felt some of the fun was gone from these cars compared to the R50 and R53, respectively. On my blog, I’ve stated it like this: the Mini has grown up, and it lost some of its bad boy character in the process.

Anyone who remembers how bad Fiat quality and service was before they left the US years ago probably wouldn’t give it a second look.

Any econobox like the 500 or smart that draws people away from the cooper is a good thing! Getting rid of some suv haters and purifying the comunity for the performance enthusiasts is just fine with me.

Hmmm so since I am a SUV hater of the first order does this mean that I want a Fiat, ugghh no thanks ;).

There are numbers of drivers out there currently in Mini’s and other small cars that are totally oblivious to performance though. I think that Smart has more to lose to Fiat than Mini does. All thee share one fairly common thing between the drivers of each brand, iconic vehicles. To be realistic if I were only looking for a performance car I would have not bought a Mini. For me personally the iconic nature of the Mini with the performance though is a nice fit.

Who cares about the cars! I love that woman and her accent! She could drive me anywhere!

I agree with Dan. I sold my 1958 Fiat Abarth 750 a few years back, I still miss that car. Of course it was not my daily driver, it was used for Autocross, Rally, and any time I needed a smile. The Mini has allot of its qualities only munch more refined, its fun yet comfortable a compromise. Italians are not so much for refinement; to them it’s all about performance. As for Fiat reliability I found that it was not the cars but at the time Americans did not know how to take care of them. I worked for an Italian auto shop in the 80′s you would not believe what some so called foreign auto shops would do to these cars. I would never take my Mini to a corner gas station and have work done, but that’s what a lot of Fiat owners did. Having owned several Fiats and Alfa Romeo’s I can say that one thing the Mini has in common with them is the fun and passion you fell when you drive them. P.S. My Mini has been in the body shop for 3 weeks (I was rear ended by a SUV) I thank I’m having Mini withdraws.

The Fiat 500 Abarth, coming out this summer, will have 135hp, which means the Abarth SS version which will be released later, will probably get about 165.

On safty: 500 has a five star Euro crash rating, the only car of this size that gets the maximum rating.

While Fiat in general is not, the old Fiat 500 is actually known for their reliability. The current Polish producer makes better car than Turin. The old Fiat service in U.S.? About as good as the old Mini Cooper service.

What we need is a shootout between MCS and Abarth SS, – on the street of San Francisco.

Yes, this is going to hurt MINI big time. I live on a small street with eleven households. There are 6 MINI’s on the block. Four of the owners said they will switch to Fiat if it ever becomes available; one will buy the fiat while keep the MINI.

Ahh, now this looks like it could be a worthwhile competitor:

Alpha’s stab at it

Fiat catches much undeserved crap here in the US. As does Alfa. But for those that know something of automotive performance history, both marques have quite a lot ot be proud of.

What’s a bummer is I don’t see how to convince my wife that I really need an Abarth 500 when it comes here to go with my Mini, the Clubman she wants to get, my Mustang, the MDX and an aging 124 spider I’ve got…. That’s the real problem….

For those that think this car will suck, look back in history and see how the little Abarth fiats shamed many a larger car (sound familiar?)

Matt

The Abarth SS version sounds like a lot of fun. I think the more sophisticated MINI JCW will prove a better overall road car, but I’m admittedly biased toward BMW engineering. I do have questions about the notorious FIAT reliability (I owned a 124 Spider so I speak from experience). The original Abarth cars, while serious competition at the racetrack, were known to have engines with both the R.P.M.s and life expectancy of hummingbirds. Still, it’s nice to see a light, cheap, and fast little car enter the market. Hope it keeps MINI on it’s toes and maybe more price conscious…