Comments on: 5th Gear Shootout: MINI One vs Fiat 500 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mike http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-250799 Mike Sun, 25 Jan 2009 02:05:31 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-250799 <p>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...</p> 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…

]]> By: Dr Obnxs http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-215185 Dr Obnxs Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:13:45 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-215185 <p>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.</p> <p>The shootout was a fair game. 5th gear took price equivalence as a way to select the cars, and that's as good a metric as any.....</p> <p>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....</p> <p>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?)</p> <p>Matt</p> 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.

The shootout was a fair game. 5th gear took price equivalence as a way to select the cars, and that’s as good a metric as any…..

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

]]> By: Dr Obnxs http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-215184 Dr Obnxs Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:11:48 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-215184 <p>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.</p> <p>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....</p> <p>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?)</p> <p>Matt</p> 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

]]> By: neuron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-210342 neuron Tue, 04 Mar 2008 06:31:18 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-210342 <p>The top of the line Fiat 500 would be the Abarth SS,, not the car tested in this video. And yes, it would be fun to compare the two. I won't bet the farm on the outcome.</p> The top of the line Fiat 500 would be the Abarth SS,, not the car tested in this video. And yes, it would be fun to compare the two. I won’t bet the farm on the outcome.

]]> By: lavardera http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-210248 lavardera Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:25:07 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-210248 <p>Ahh, now this looks like it could be a worthwhile competitor:</p> <p><a href="http://news.windingroad.com/car-buying/2010-alfa-romeo-mito-–-coming-stateside/" rel="nofollow">Alpha's stab at it</a></p> Ahh, now this looks like it could be a worthwhile competitor:

Alpha’s stab at it

]]> By: Rawhyde http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-210156 Rawhyde Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:21:15 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-210156 <p>They picked cars that had 1.4 liter engines, but to do that...they had the top of the line Fiat and the bottom of the line MINI. It'd have been fun to compare the top Fiat 500 to the Cooper S/JCW. Top of the line vs top of the line. Wanna bet which one would have a lower lap time?</p> <p>Rawhyde</p> They picked cars that had 1.4 liter engines, but to do that…they had the top of the line Fiat and the bottom of the line MINI. It’d have been fun to compare the top Fiat 500 to the Cooper S/JCW. Top of the line vs top of the line. Wanna bet which one would have a lower lap time?

Rawhyde

]]> By: neuron http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-210028 neuron Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:24:55 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-210028 <p>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.</p> <p>On safty: 500 has a five star Euro crash rating, the only car of this size that gets the maximum rating.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>What we need is a shootout between MCS and Abarth SS, - on the street of San Francisco.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Filip http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209975 Filip Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:28:40 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209975 <p>Wel, I have to make the choise later this year, my good old Audi A2 has 150k km and here is what makes it hard ... the price difference on the basic model isn't so much of an issue, but to have the Fiat 500 as I like it I need to add 3000€ in options bringing the total to 17k€. If I spec out a Mini Cooper to my taste I am looking at 33k€. That's almost DOUBLE the price! So I think it's time Mini starts thinking about adding more options to the standard car or offering better packs or just dropping the prices a little. As I spend most of my time alone in the car and live in the city it's becoming really hard to justify spending so much more ...</p> <p>from the trenches in Europe ;-)</p> <p>(btw Clubmans everywhere here in Belgium, they're really great!)</p> Wel, I have to make the choise later this year, my good old Audi A2 has 150k km and here is what makes it hard … the price difference on the basic model isn’t so much of an issue, but to have the Fiat 500 as I like it I need to add 3000€ in options bringing the total to 17k€. If I spec out a Mini Cooper to my taste I am looking at 33k€. That’s almost DOUBLE the price! So I think it’s time Mini starts thinking about adding more options to the standard car or offering better packs or just dropping the prices a little. As I spend most of my time alone in the car and live in the city it’s becoming really hard to justify spending so much more …

from the trenches in Europe ;-)

(btw Clubmans everywhere here in Belgium, they’re really great!)

]]> By: Lee http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209973 Lee Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:15:03 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209973 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Stef http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209931 Stef Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:50:46 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209931 <p>Here's the Abarth 500 at the ring. And yes, it pops! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3rAX0J1UOg" rel="nofollow">Abarth at the ring</a></p> Here’s the Abarth 500 at the ring. And yes, it pops! Abarth at the ring

]]> By: Pete http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209889 Pete Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:04:34 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209889 <p>Who cares about the cars! I love that woman and her accent! She could drive me anywhere!</p> Who cares about the cars! I love that woman and her accent! She could drive me anywhere!

]]> By: Dan http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209885 Dan Thu, 28 Feb 2008 21:36:31 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209885 <p>The day Fiat announces an Abarth 500 for the US market is the day I do two things: 1) start prepping my '06 MCS for sale and 2) write a deposit check and send it to Turin.</p> The day Fiat announces an Abarth 500 for the US market is the day I do two things: 1) start prepping my ’06 MCS for sale and 2) write a deposit check and send it to Turin.

]]> By: Jon http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209880 Jon Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:47:41 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209880 <p>Hmmm so since I am a SUV hater of the first order does this mean that I want a Fiat, ugghh no thanks ;).</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: Crusoe http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209869 Crusoe Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:33:08 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209869 <p>This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone here. So much lighter with more HP, tires wouldn't had made a difference, a great comparison. Abarth SS will beat the MC as well. The MC would probably beat the 500 however being it's a 1.6 vs the One's 1.4. Just wouldn't want to be in a crash in any FIAT.</p> This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone here. So much lighter with more HP, tires wouldn’t had made a difference, a great comparison. Abarth SS will beat the MC as well. The MC would probably beat the 500 however being it’s a 1.6 vs the One’s 1.4. Just wouldn’t want to be in a crash in any FIAT.

]]> By: dr http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209858 dr Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:59:04 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209858 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: rkw http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209856 rkw Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:53:21 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209856 <blockquote>On comparable tires the Mini would have taken that second back.</blockquote> <p>It was a fair test. Both cars were stock. You can't expect them to upgrade both cars with aftermarket tires for a comparision.</p> <p>MINI has a far superior rear suspension and might have done better on a tighter, twistier course.</p> On comparable tires the Mini would have taken that second back.

It was a fair test. Both cars were stock. You can’t expect them to upgrade both cars with aftermarket tires for a comparision.

MINI has a far superior rear suspension and might have done better on a tighter, twistier course.

]]> By: Cap'n Bill http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209852 Cap'n Bill Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:59:08 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209852 <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: lavardera http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209832 lavardera Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:13:25 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209832 <p>On comparable tires the Mini would have taken that second back.</p> On comparable tires the Mini would have taken that second back.

]]> By: Eelke http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209819 Eelke Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:12:04 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209819 <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> 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.

]]> By: M. Dillon http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/comment-page-1/#comment-209809 M. Dillon Thu, 28 Feb 2008 10:21:58 +0000 http://www.motoringfile.com/2008/02/28/5th-gear-shootout-mini-one-vs-fiat-500/#comment-209809 <p>I totally agree with Shamus'second paragraph. However,it was still nice to check out the head to head comparisons of the 2 cars...</p> <p>...one can only dream,lol...</p> I totally agree with Shamus’second paragraph. However,it was still nice to check out the head to head comparisons of the 2 cars…

…one can only dream,lol…

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