The Fiat 500 Abarth seems like a pretty cool little car. Not sure if I'd own one though. I would like to have the model in the commercials!!

 

Actually, the FA20 boxer is putting up some big gains with simple bolt-on's. Here is a post from the Official BRZ/FRS thread:

 

I am excited for these. Yes for the price range, if you're looking for something more like a sports car, then the BRZ/FRS is probably the way to go. But then again, a used S2000 is a better way to go.

But these Fiats are a completely different beast (if we can call it that). It won't put out the numbers that some others can, but they're very fun to drive, though in a different definition of fun than were used to.

I haven't yet driven the Abarth, but I have driven a couple 500s and they are so quick and nimble. The steering response and braking response just seems ridiculous. Now throw in a more aggressive suspension and some power and it would be a blast to drive anywhere any time.

A Mini S will probably outperform in most categories and feel more planted around a track. But for darting around town on the daily, the feel of this car would bring some huge fun factor to whatever you do. And at it's price, it's within reason to buy it just for that.

Oh yeah and Charlie Sheen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjYxE2VD7VE

 

I strongly suspect you wouldn't want her after Charlie Sheen is done with her.

 

Abarth or not, the steering wheel doesn't telescope - it makes for an awkward driving position.

 

Dyno-comp did ECU and exhaust on the Abarth with good results. Note done on Dyno-Dynamics dyno usually known as the "heartbreaker" for dyno readings.

http://dyno-comp.com/blog/2012/06/fi...1-ecu-upgrade/

Bone Stock: 2011 Fiat 500 Abarth Turbo

REAL WORLD this is what a 2011 Fiat 500 Abarth puts down for power..
130 (Wheel HP) x 1.23 = 160 HP at the flywheel.
138 (Wheel TQ) x 1.23 = 170 TQ at the flywheel.

These numbers were taken from a stock car and may vary.
HP is now at 165 (at the wheels) which equates out to about 203 HP at the flywheel.
TQ is now at 194 (at the wheels) which is approx 239 TQ at the flywheel.

At the end of the day what does all this mean…
+43 HP increase at the flywheel.
+69 TQ increase at the flywheel.

 

You know, it's probably lots of fun, but it just looks ridiculous. For the price there are many other cars that are nearly as fun and look way better.

 

Ok, I'll bite what cars are starting at $22k and are nearly as fun?

 

I'd love to have a white one, they seem like fun little cars! I tried to convince my fiancee to get one but she thought it was too small.

 

Focus ST, MS3, and BRZ all start at $25k. It would be 3k well spent.

And that's ignoring the plethora of lightly used cars for that amount which are much more desirable.