Abarth 500 vs. Fiat 500: which is better?
Read our guide as we compare the Abarth 500 to the Fiat 500 on a wide variety of metrics such as performance, size, reliability and more
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Can’t make your mind up between a used Fiat 500 vs. used Abarth 500?
On the surface, you’d be forgiven for thinking that they’re more or less the same model.
That may be true, but beneath the surface – or rather, the bonnet – there are some pretty major differences.
You’ll either specifically want one or the other, and buying the wrong one could disappoint.
Fortunately, we spell out all that is different between the Abarth 500 and the Fiat 500 below.
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Styling: Fiat 500 vs. Abarth 500
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There aren’t many cars as iconic as the Fiat 500, which rose to popularity in the late ‘50s and ‘60s.
When Fiat revived the 500 in a similar but much more modern package back in the late naughties, it became an instant hit, with loads of retro appeal and up-to-date car tech.
The Fiat 500 has a charming and cutesy look, with rounded proportions and soft curves.
The front end is instantly recognisable by the round headlights, which sit above round daytime running light clusters.
Beneath all of that, in the bumper, there may also be round fog lights, depending on which model you go for.
When Fiat facelifted the 500 in 2015, the rear taillights were upgraded to have a hollow look, which we think is really smart.
Despite it being a blast from the past, it’s available with a range of intricately designed and eye-catching alloy wheel designs.
While it has a different name, the Abarth 500 is virtually the same car. Abarth is a tuning company – it takes the Fiat 500, overhauls many key components like the suspension and engine, and sells it as a performance model.
For that reason, they’re almost identical from a distance. Besides fairly major mechanical differences, there are also some stylistic changes.
The Abarth sits slightly lower to the ground (firmer suspension means it handles better), and it gets more aggressive bodywork like flared wheelarches.
What are the Abarth 500 and Fiat 500 like to drive?
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In a nutshell, these cars are completely different to drive. They appeal to polar opposites when it comes to driving experience, further broadening the appeal of the 500 model.
The Fiat 500 is designed with city streets in mind, which is why you see so many of them in and around cities across all of Europe.
Steering is very light, which means that this small car is easy to park and manoeuvre. Its suspension is also reasonably soft, so it should also feel comfortable.
Most models you’ll find will either come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine or a 0.9-litre petrol – both are great in their own ways, but the 0.9-litre ‘TwinAir’ can be more fun.
Newer models use a 1.0-litre mild hybrid, which promises to be even more efficient.
In comparison, the Abarth 500 has a much stiffer suspension, with many likening the experience to a go-kart.
This makes it truly enjoyable and engaging to drive, but it can be less comfortable than the regular Fiat 500 under normal driving conditions.
Power comes from a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, which emits a raucous noise from the large exhaust pipes.
You’ll find different variants – some with even more power – but most produce 165hp, which means it’s good for 0-62mph in around seven seconds, depending on specification.
There are newer electric models, sometimes informally known as 500e, but the difference is less stark.
That’s because electric motors offer an instant throttle response, so even the Fiat variant feels pretty punchy around town.
Interior and technology: Abarth 500 vs. Fiat 500
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The dashboard of both cars consists of a large panel that, in the Fiat, is the same colour as the exterior paint, which helps to add some character.
Some Abarth models swap this out for stylish options like suede-like material, but the concept is the same.
Earlier and cheaper models have a basic radio in the centre, but higher trim levels and newer models come with a touchscreen infotainment system.
The climate control buttons are sensibly laid out and are nice and big, which makes adjusting things on the move easy and safer.
One of the 500’s quirks is that the window switches are in the centre, on either side of the gear stick.
If you can, opt for a higher-spec model with a touchscreen system, sometimes called Uconnect, because it gives you the option to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Is having a Fiat 500 or Abarth 500 in the UK more practical?
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There’s nothing that separates these two models in terms of how practical they are – Abarth didn’t change the dimensions when it took the Fiat 500 for tuning.
All versions of the 500 have a 185-litre boot, whether you go for Fiat or Abarth, a petrol or electric, or a hatchback or convertible.
It’s worth noting that to accommodate the sliding fabric roof on 500C models, the boot opening is much narrower.
You’re unlikely to be buying any 500 if you need a practical car, but aim for a hatchback model if you want the most practical bodystyle.
Abarth 500 vs. Fiat 500 reliability and safety
The Fiat 500 and Abarth 500/595 share the same platform and many mechanical components, and both cars have received mixed reviews from owners.
For example, Fiat as a brand performs below average, but it’s owned by the same company that owns Alfa Romeo and Jeep, plus some other manufacturers like Peugeot and Vauxhall, so it has the backing of a global enterprise.
For what it’s worth, thousands of buyers have bought the iconic 500 in a number of variations, and most have been happy.
In 2017, the petrol-powered Fiat 500 was awarded a three-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is pretty average for this size car. Four years later, the Fiat 500e got a four-star rating.
What are the Abarth 500 and Fiat 500 dimensions?
There are some differences, but they’re unlikely to make much of an impact on how you park or manoeuvre these cars.
The Fiat 500 is 3,571mm long, 1,893mm wide and 1,488mm tall. Its Abarth counterpart, which is technically the Abarth 595, is the same width, and only 3mm shorter. However, it’s nearly 9cm longer.
The Fiat 500 Electric is bigger still, measuring 3,632mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,527mm tall. Similarly, the Abarth 500 Electric is around 4cm longer, nearly 1cm shorter, but no wider.
Used Fiat 500 vs. used Abarth 500: which should you buy?
For nine out of 10 drivers, the Fiat 500 makes the most sense. It’s affordable, economical and comfortable. The biggest question is not which car, but which variation.
You’ll have the choice of regular 500 or convertible 500C models, as well as petrol, mild hybrid and electric.
If you’re after a performance car or hot hatch, then the Abarth 595 (petrol) and Abarth 500 (electric) genuinely bring a smile to your face every time you put your foot down, and can be a lot more fun than more expensive options.