Abarth 695 Rivale VS Mini JCW Roadster [TOP TRUMPS]

Could an Abarth 695 Rivale replace my Mini JCW Roadster ? There is only one way to find out...a game of Top Trumps !
I am joined by Abarthist Ped and JCW Ped to put these cars against each other...but which one wins ?!
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[@HipHopHistoryGuy]

Haven't driven that style Mini but I can tell you, my Abarth 500 Cabriolet is a blast to drive every single day.

[@PetrolPed]

I'm sure it is...wait for my full review next Friday and you will see that I completely loved driving the Abarth :-)

[@MyDoug28]

Hands down one of the most entertaining cars! Have an Abarth Esseesse and it’s an absolute joy to drive not to mention the cold start everyday!

[@littlebigjohn69]

i drove the mini and i drove the abarth and guess what i bought the abarth the reason after driving it you have a smile

[@PetrolPed]

It sure does that :-)

[@carobsessions4707]

Still 695 Abarth is awesome

[@PetrolPed]

It sure is :-)

[@wordreet]

Heehee! Great vid mate. But you forgot to mention the looks at the front! The 695 is sooo cute and sooo stylish at the same time. The cuteness of the original Fiat 500 is still there and even with the 'racer' stylle additions, (all presumably functional ) it's none the worse for it. Whereas the so called 'Mini' styling was a bit of an excuse from the "get go" as our Trumpian friends accross the water would say. And then the baseball cap . . . Yes, I'm predjudiced and have disliked the BMW Mini all it's life, sorry Pedro, the 695 Rivale wins hands down!!!!!!

[@PetrolPed]

I actually talk about the front in my full review next Friday :-)

[@wordreet]

I can hardly wait!!

[@gusbloke5934]

Great video Pete, really enjoyed that. Completely agree about the window buttons on the Mini, always scrabbling around on the armrest looking for the button.

[@nicolasberchoux3782]

Interesting way to present your feeling about the Abarth !!! This versus challenge was very funy. Waiting for the test drive 😉

[@PetrolPed]

Test drive drops next Friday at 6pm :-)

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

this has been a brilliant review, some good edits, really good watch and that mini JCW is a great little car, future classic. Great Job Peter

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Roger. It took some planning ;-)

[@StefABtv]

*really good video mate!! Liked this one!*

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Bud. It took some planning 😂

[@robertolombardi3698]

Really good video and comparison test, the production value of your videos just keeps getting better and better. Please do more of these comparison videos, maybe the Fiesta ST vs Polo GTI? That would be cool.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Roberto, I'd love to do more of these as I am pleased how it came out :-)

[@DamoDrives]

Fantastic video mate, great way of comparing a car and will be interesting to see it out on the road

[@PetrolPed]

That is next Friday :-)

[@RivetGardener]

Great comparison, well done! Loved it all. The Mini just looks cool, the Abarth looks slightly evil.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Rivet :-)

[@paulopessoa4672]

Thanks for your brilliant comparison.

[@PetrolPed]

My pleasure Paulo. Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@malcolmbale9566]

Have you replaced your front disc pads yet, if so how long do they last? My jcw clubman has only done 9.5k & the warning lights on, it’s ridiculous. I know someone with a golf gt 170tdi with 60k & haven’t had any pads yet!!

[@PetrolPed]

New front discs and pads at 25K miles ! Lots of modern cars have softer discs that wear more quickly to improve braking performance. I had done several track days on those !

[@malcolmbale9566]

This is just normal everyday driving!!, not impressed & thanks for reply 👍😡

[@wordreet]

Thumbs up when you said Top Trumps. And I have to get another cuppa and more toast, before I let you continue!

[@ginggur17]

Awesome. Taken you a lot of work I dare bet, but brilliant.

[@PetrolPed]

It certainly took some planning !

[@lydiagould3090]

Ruby Roadster had to be the righteous winner for me. Plenty to like about the Abarth, but it`s frog -like appearance bothers me a bit. (I`m a fun car, so don`t take me too seriously). The Roadster has the lines and appearance of a real serious sports car. Great video ,and love your little dog!

[@PetrolPed]

She just has to get involved :-)

[@iRidetas]

classic! clever video mate! enjoyed it!

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers 👍

[@geofo60]

Second, ahh well. I noticed your comments on Stefabtv channel a couple of days ago Peter & thought to myself, hmm 🤔 will you be doing a video on a Fiat Abarth. To be honest I have been seriously thinking & comparing the Fiat vs the Mini for weeks. After a lot of shall I, shan’t I, yesterday was decision day. The JCW Coupe .......... stays. It’s one away from my all time favourite GP2, it’s all I could afford at the time, suits my personal preferences, puts a grin on my face every time I drive it (& look at it). Great video as always. Cheers Geof

[@PetrolPed]

Nice choice...I'd love a GP2 too !

[@1BLUEMEANIE]

Well I am disappointed Peter , I thought Petrol Pooch was going to give her Verdict more biscuits needed I think .😆 Great review as a mini owner I can’t wait for the test drive review I always feel they sit tall and may tip over if hooning it down a twisty lane but let’s see in your test drive review. Have a great weekend 👍🏁🏁

[@PetrolPed]

Nearly finished edited the full review. It will go love next Friday :-) Petrol Pooch will do a review soon, I am sure of it :-)

[@Larryloafer488]

I’m sure there was a reason you left out purchase and service costs plus any reliability issues?

[@PetrolPed]

Yep, didn't want the video to be any longer !

[@Larryloafer488]

Petrol Ped That aside, good comparison fella.

[@chrisgale7922]

Very good film there, and those presenting skills are up there.. Professional.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Chris, thanks for such lovely feedback :-)

[@richardearth2848]

My boss has just traded his Audi A6 and 2002 Porsche Boxster for a 1000 miler JCW 210. I thought he was mad at first but im starting to get it. Yet to have a ride but will be soon

[@simondavis3825]

Many thanks for the review Peter. I had exactly the same decision to make, likewise, I bought a Roadster JCW and love it! The mini would win hands down on resale value too.

[@PetrolPed]

Great to hear and you made a good choice. I love my Roadster and resale helped by the fact they don't them anymore. The little Abarth is great fun too though :-)

[@yvesklein669]

Great review Ped! I really enjoyed driving the JCW in 2013...even though It was only a brief test drive. I wouldn't turn down the 695, if it were a gift. I think the JCW is better too. 👍

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Buddy :-)

[@frasermacleod7642]

Brilliant. What an interesting video. Really enjoyed the Top Trumps.

[@PetrolPed]

Wasn't sure if it was going to work but I think I got away with it :-)

[@frasermacleod7642]

I thought it was a brilliant idea and something fun and different to try. It was well edited.

[@ryandavid2770]

Very cool idea. Glad Ruby is clean 👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

Washed them both. If you watch closely during my opening piece to camera you can see a bird shit land on the 695 !!! Did you notice the beading on Rubys roof !

[@vinnievincent1]

9 to 6 pfft. Haha brilliant video, literally just cleaned my 595 and have this video. Keep it up

[@PetrolPed]

The score doesn't really reflect how close these cars are. Hopefully you will enjoy the full review video next Friday. I certainly enjoyed making it !

[@vinnievincent1]

@@PetrolPedI agree, and like you categories can be changed in each car's favour. Can't wait for the full video.

[@darrenparry2891]

The Mini for me, although probably a traditional 3-door manual version

[@Countrystock]

Brilliant format.....loved it. Ps I’ll take the Mini too

[@PetrolPed]

I'm glad its going down well. Wasn't sure if it would work :-)

[@ReaperOfSouls83]

It miss a very important thing, the price!

[@Jdownesuk]

Great comparison: what happened to the Handbrake Trump? Manual or P button :)? Guessing it’s another draw. Keep up the good work Ped!

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers James :-)

[@carloszenteno7039]

Brilliant review

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Carlos, glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@scotthammond4371]

Resale value? Cost at purchase? As you said, lots of other ways of comparing. Great vid all the same 👍🏻

[@PetrolPed]

My initial list was way longer but I had the cut it back to reduce the length of the video :-(

[@jackwebster9526]

Love the Abarth

[@zulubuzz8516]

The r59 JCW was 238 bhp when you put on the Dyno at lohen.

[@PetrolPed]

Yep 👍

[@bernardlatuner5134]

Hello, perhaps a bit late on the mark but you did a TOP job introducing these two cars ! :-D I JUST LOVE THE JOB YOU DID !!! With best regards ! ;-)

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Bernard 👍

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Think you get a extra point for exterior look but the interior has to go to the Abarth just mate.Nice fun video Pete.Have a great weekend 🏁🍻

[@PetrolPed]

That was a close one. I just couldn't make my mind up !

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Petrol Ped They are both super cars but the mini is in most people’s hearts ♥️

[@darrenhillman8396]

Haha! Really good idea to present the review as a head to head Top Trumps. So, Ruby Reds replacement is still to be determined... How about the Audi TT..?

[@PetrolPed]

A full review will be next Fridays video :-) Ruby replacement list is Audi TT RS or RS3, AMG A45 or Porsche Boxster S !

[@ginggur17]

Time to catch up. Hmmmmm, hubba?? Surprised ya not considered a lil RS-3. Great editing fella. Well done

[@PetrolPed]

RS3 or TT RS are top of my want list !

[@ginggur17]

The 3 is an astonishing pocket rocket. Kate would have one tomorrow.

[@PetrolPed]

It's just we always have one car with a roof !

[@mossman701]

Fuel consumption ?

[@PetrolPed]

About the same. 40mpg on a long run :-)

[@hmntyvsnstnkt]

What's the price difference?

[@PetrolPed]

They only made the Roadster for 3 years so they are starting to hold their price well. From new they were high £20Ks which is a main reason for the stop in production.

[@alainbauristhene6427]

Abarth gets a point for having a smaller motor and being as quick as Mini

[@PetrolPed]

Good point :-)

[@ronmccullock1407]

Good review

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Ron. The full review of the 695 goes live next Friday :-)

[@e1337prodigy]

7:16 I was waiting for you to say, yours may pop and bang, but mine spits flames. No drive of the Abarth? I want to hear that exhaust.

[@PetrolPed]

That is next Fridays video :-)

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Right outcome IMHO having driven both MINI and 500. I love the 500, don’t get me wrong - there’s the whole Italian thing going on and it’s such a characterful hoot with great looks, but the MINI feels the more thoroughly engineered product and more even in it’s talents. This shows in so many ways; refinement, driving position, no question it’s a real competitor. Some of these - driving position especially - make the 500 not work for me, sadly. Still, I totally get the appeal and when it’s replacement comes out, hopefully flaws fixed, who knows!

[@PetrolPed]

Well summarised :-)

[@GoingSidewards]

Great vid Ped

[@PetrolPed]

Thanks 👍

[@dickiemcvitie1752]

Nice!! You 3 should present Top Gear... with assistance from Petrol Pooch!!

[@PetrolPed]

LOL...that would be cool but I'm not holding my breath ;-)

[@colinkandagaigo1396]

Very interesting video.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers :-)

[@VagoHarp]

Great video

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers :-)

[@FezzaYT]

Very entertaining! Loved the top trumps theme :)

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Justin :-)

[@chrissharman9169]

I do like the bespoke looking Rivale Pete. Top Trumps 👍👍👍

[@PetrolPed]

It certainly looks the business !

[@johns14a]

Interesting comparison. The Abarth is a good looking car but if I had to choose one it would be the Mini every time. Not least because as a long term ownership proposition you just know which of the two is going to have endless issues.

[@PetrolPed]

Both great fun to drive :-)

[@cecchinilux]

Like to see you get in the boot of the mini with the top down! Mini isn't a mini anymore. its a big heavy car.

[@terrymcdonagh5439]

So I like cars, I have a Porsche Cayenne S and and Audi S5 Cab - I also have a big boxy motorhome (yawn) - I was in Wales in my bus doing a steady 50 MPH when I was overtaken by about 20 4 tailpipe Abarths (must have been some club outing I think) - I loved it and have lusted after one ever since - think I'll tow one behind my bus LOL

[@PetrolPed]

The quad exhaust is called the Monza. It's fitted to the 595 Competizione and it sounds awesome. I reckon it would be the perfect car the the motorhome :-)

[@frankschutzwohl7706]

Good video. I will say as a 2m2cm (6‘8“) tall driver getting in and out of the Mini is a torture test. Evolution allowed me to walk on 2 legs if I drove a Mini it would be back to 4. My Abarth Cabriolet? So easy to get in and out of. Exhaust? Mini has the sound of an angry sewing machine. Abarth ROARRRR!

[@PetrolPed]

Wow that’s tall 😮

[@QueryMySQL]

Thought it was Mark Webber at first! This guy could have definitely been a presenter on 5th gear. Also a fellow JCW guy.. Cool

[@PetrolPed]

I wish I could drive like Mark Webber 😂 If you like JCWs I’ve put a deposit down on a GP3 so watch this space 👍

[@alexandermenck6609]

Mini became a Maxi. No appeal left from the first remake of the original Mini. Mini (BMW) may be better in any objective numbers, these cars are not about that. It’s whether you want to have one.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

There is the big one - you can’t buy a roadster anymore 😂

[@PetrolPed]

An appreciating classic !

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

What about the car 😜😂

[@philipparkes5079]

Hi Ped Great taster for next weeks video, congratulations in the editing. I am possibly going to upset you now, but Mini NO. Maybe I was unlucky but had a Mini Cooper as courtesy car for two days, hated it. Found it uncomfortable, ride not good, and performance lacking. My better half has a 500C and loves it, and I have to admit I rather like it. Maybe it’s the Italian thing! Petrol Pooch would have jumped at the chance to go in the Arbuth, she is a lady of taste.

[@PetrolPed]

You need the JCW ;-)

[@dj_paultuk7052]

Don't like either. A bit bigger I know, but the best all round Hot Hatch is still the A45. Its just mental, and Trumps anything in all areas.

[@PetrolPed]

I agree, the A45 is one of my favourites and actually top of my list for a replacement to the Mini :-)

[@andyross37]

The Mini was always going to win. For what it is, that Abarth looks lovely. I'd have preferred it to have had a little bit more power though. I've never been in a 500 (although I sat in one at the motor show). To me the interior seems a little bit on the tiny side.....put 2 6 footer guys in those seats & it would probably be a tad uncomfortable, whereas people always comment about how big the Mini is inside. The Abarth does look & sound the business though......I could be tempted, but then again, maybe not

[@PetrolPed]

Wait till me full review to hear the Abarth out on the road. You can get the BHP up to 220 to 250 reasonably easily if you want more grunt :-)

[@andyross37]

I'm looking forward to the full review next week!

[@cometomyfrontdoor]

The back seat crap was dumb , should be using a hatch JCW for that one 😑

[@jonscoupe]

Fab review peter, as usual. Personally I'd stick with the Germans. Build quality reliability, resale values etc. Cheers, Jon.

[@PetrolPed]

Cheers Jon :-)

[@1061shrink1061]

For sure a few fairly tangible things missed off this list. You mention interior styling, but no mention of materials and quality. Having owned both, the mini has much nicer materials and better use of soft touch plastics across the dashboard etc. The fiat is quite hard and rattly, many of the plastics feel quite cheap. You are 100% right on the driving position, I've had a 500 for a while now and its a complete nightmare no matter how tall you are. I'm only 5ft9 and still the relationship between steering wheel and pedals is all wrong, you also can't get low enough in the seat. I will say though, the fiat 500 boot is much better than a standard mini hatchback (which is really what you should have compared this to). Overall though, in terms of driving dynamics, the fiat is just too top heavy, its center of gravity is far higher than it wants to be for a performance car and as a result the only way they can control that is through suspension made out of granite. It's just unpleasant. The mini is firm, but manages to round off the very worst in a more sophisticated manner than the fiat. Have had both and loved both. Fiat is the better city car.... mini is the better all rounder. compare cabriolet rather than roadster and you'd find the mini would claw back scores for seats as well.

[@tkusterb]

No. Fair. To compare a two-seater with a car that has a rear seat when comparing passenger room.

[@PetrolPed]

Just a bit of fun ;-)

[@tkusterb]

I know it’s just a bit of fun. But as a fellow Mini roadster owner, I felt like you were really struggling to find areas where the Abarth could best the Mini. Like you, I really enjoyed my roadster!

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

2,881st view. My highest yet. Woo! Ho... Ooo.. Damn. I'm supposed to be getting a lower figure, not a higher one. My fault for going to London to see Jeff Lynne's ELO* at the O2 Arena. Your JCW Mini v The 695. It's gotta be the Mini for a bloke and the 695 for a girl. Though the 695 is a pretty car, that's it. It's pretty. It's effeminate. For the interior, can I just point out that your JCW is a lot, lot older than the 695. The new JCW's (And Mini's in general.) are lovely inside. Real BMW class. For the ride too, your JCW is old compared to the 695. The new JCW's are sublime in BOTH the handling and ride department. If I had the money, I'd change my Cooper S for a new one. And the one thing you've not mentioned are their makers. A German versus an Italian. While you JCW will still be running in 10 years time, the 695 will be a dishwasher!! :-))... A great, but when are you taking the 695 out on the road? * It was absolutely frigging awesome mate!! :-))...

[@PetrolPed]

Love a bit of ELO :-)

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

Petrol Ped - I forgot to mention three things. 1 - Great to see Pooch getting in on the act. "You do the pedals and gears dad, I'll steer!" Looks like she didn't want to be seen in the 695 either. Is she a tomboy pechance? 2 - I forgot to say that with the roof down on the 695 it looks like a Silver Cross pram :-))... 3 - Did I mention to you just how bloody fantastic ELO were? :-))...

[@ginggur17]

Yaaaaaay Pooch. That’s pleased Kate.

[@PetrolPed]

She just had to get involved !

[@benl8762]

MINI all day all year, I won this one:)

[@octaneparker6200]

4th :-( Mini the rightful winner imho

[@PetrolPed]

Close Buddy ;-)

[@waltermonzani4946]

Nn ho capito nulla ma da quello che ho visto giocato volutamente a favore della mini perché è inglese nn penso che il baule della mini a capote aperta ci sia spazio x mettere un paio di snikers

[@PetrolPed]

Non c'è pregiudizio perché io sono inglese. Lo stivale della Mini è molto grande. È possibile ottenere un set di mazze da golf lì

[@waltermonzani4946]

@@PetrolPed ma va a caga

[@skithewhitestuff]

Mini is the winner all the way, a really great car!

[@jgc8975]

Love the Abarth but can’t beat the JCW, Or a Mini in General 😉. Keep seeing yours in Chi and its the best looking JCW out there. Passed you a couple of times in my British Racing Green F56 Cooper S!

[@PetrolPed]

No way...flash your lights next time :-)

[@paullovesey4863]

Which car looks least feminine for a middle aged man?

[@yellowa4725]

Neither! Especially with Pooch on your lap! ;-)

[@b.henriques9871]

Paul Lovesey both of them won't look feminine when you hear that exhaust note especially on the abarth

[@paullovesey4863]

BlackPalankaa You can just see it now It’s the middle f summer, You hear a sweet exhaust coming down the road. You turn to see what it could be........... and it’s a 45 year old guy in a Fiat 500 with part of the roof down. What ever floats your boat my man.

[@barryvigus3724]

The Rivale is far far better Mimi -- Rubbish !

[@hondamonkeytv4138]

PS? please don't be a EuroWerido - Please quote BHP (British Horse Power)

[@PetrolPed]

I use both. Just depends on the car 👍

[@ginggur17]

I’m back!

[@PetrolPed]

Missed ya !

[@PetrolPed]

And FIRST !!

[@ginggur17]

We had a week up at the lakes, then last week down at Cromer. Was rubbish Wi-fi!!

[@09876username]

Abarth license plate CPRKLLR

[@twitchmaxi9yaboy180]

I have that car to the abarth

[@joannagooney8342]

Don’t agree with the ride in the mini had both and abarth wins hands down for me

[@jacobs3031]

Wouldn't buy any soft top car living in the UK.

[@mgsee]

The mini interior is tacky. Italians know how to do small cars with character, the design of German small cars always look like the designer is trying too hard to add character, unless they go for 'grownup' styling like the Polo.

[@keitumetsemabuza9940]

Mini all the way, it even looks a more solid and durable car.

[@ericl1627]

Well mate there is a problem with both vehicles driving position. The wheels are both on the wrong side. It's on the right its supposed to be on the left. Your cars are broken man.... lol

[@PetrolPed]

Damn...didn't spot that 😂

[@ruben9967]

The Abarth is way much better

[@michaelmackenzie9589]

They both have a big engine are you taking this p!$$ add both together then double it add 0.2 then that's what mine has and ps I love your vids and would definitely have the fiat

[@gregschlegel5964]

Was waiting for Donald Trump to show up

[@PetrolPed]

LOL !

[@navinramchurran968]

hugh laurie look alike. lol

[@PetrolPed]

LOL...not had that one before, it's normally Hugh Jackman ;-)

[@b.henriques9871]

what kind of car review doenst feature the "person" driving the car? also you compare exausht sound by ur opinion and dont even give as the option to hear it by ourselves? other then that good "informative" vídeo i guess

[@PetrolPed]

You need to tune in next Friday at 6pm for the full road test and review. This was not meant to be a review but a little bit of fun and a different style of video. Glad you still enjoyed it :-)

[@b.henriques9871]

Petrol Ped ok thanks then I take back what I said. Lookin forward for it, have a good day

[@PetrolPed]

No worries Bud 👍

[@gavinivers8941]

But you didn't drive it....!

[@PetrolPed]

That is next Fridays video...a full road test and just wait till you hear that little 695 :-)

[@welshweeks01]

Mini, ever time.

[@kevinpower9534]

You also missed that when your misses said that looks awesome. You should have said no problem we can buy 2 of them for the price of that rip off German car.

[@drewstevenson5478]

The BMW will spend more time being repaired speaking from experience

[@PetrolPed]

Not had a problem with the Mini in over 4 years :-)

[@drewstevenson5478]

@@PetrolPed you best get rid off it now then it'll save you a fortune lol

[@urswolf487]

funny video! funny as driving the two cars!

[@alanbutterfield8057]

Well Peter you can now drive the Abarth into the sea and find a man car. I'm pleased you did not like this Arbarth or the Fiat 500 model I knew from the beginning you would not like them both your a German car fan boy just like me well two great minds think alike on this one I just have no time for Fiat / Abarth utter JUNK in my book. Regards Alan B

[@PetrolPed]

You're not a fan then mate ;-)

[@jansandberg1747]

You can’t compare any car with the fiat.

[@PetrolPed]

It's an Abarth not a Fiat 😜

[@jansandberg1747]

Petrol Ped fiat abarth...

[@ScenesThroughTravels]

You can still pull women in both I think , !

[@PetrolPed]

I'm sure you can :-)

[@nikoup1976]

You look like more german than british.

[@zapwatt]

You left out price and fuel economy. The test was rigged.

[@PetrolPed]

Rigged ?! It was just a bit of fun 😕

[@kmhurd4493]

Can’t stand the looks and functionality of the Abarth. 🥴 MINI wins all day long.

[@resnonverba137]

No straight man would choose the Abarth. Girly and awful inside and out before you take into account the poor quality of the Abarth. Up! GTI every day of the week for me if a small runaround is required.

[@PetrolPed]

I'd love to get my hands on an Up GTi...sadly more difficult than you think !

[@resnonverba137]

I believe they have a black demonstrator in Brighton or nearby.

[@sandro14esandro14e]

Everyone is entitled to whatever works for them

[@robaborizk1702]

compared to cooper fiat is stupid! come on!