Seriously.
The Abarth was just announced today for North America, and it will have 160hp and
170ft-lbs! Also weighs just 2500lbs with all that torque.
It also looks quite awesome:
So anyway, I drove a Fiat 500 Sport last weekend at a "ride and drive" at the local Autoshow. I'm an autocrosser and generally know what I'm doing around a tight cone corse, so I flogged it pretty good (scared the ride along guy a bit) and I REALLY enjoyed it!
Due to the size and the visibility, you can REALLY hit an apex in this car and get the car right on top of the cones. The steering was VERY sharp, and the ride was VERY solid, I was impressed. Power was crap of course due to the crappy automatic, but after that test drive I instantly moved the Fiat up to near the top of my list.
With the Abarth coming out, I suspect I'll have to pick between the two at some point. I suspect the pricing will be similar to the FT86 models but lets make a quick run down of which might be better than which in each important category:
Horsepower - FT86
Torque - Abarth
Curb Weight - Abarth
Weight distribution - FT86
Handling - ???
Styling - Subjective, leaning towards FT86
Mileage - Possibly quite similar numbers
Reliability - Unknown, but assuredly much better with the FT86
And of course the Abarth is FWD and the FT86 chassis RWD, but as to which will be quicker or more fun to drive? Time will tell...