Car and Driver: Tested : 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth vs. 2012 Mini John Cooper Works - CAR and DRIVER

[@bomberesque]

Maybe fairer to have compared the abarth with the Cooper s than the jcw, the price difference is enormous! 22k for the abarth, 30+for the jcw, not really a fair comparison

[@mrastronomical67]

James Barnes i thought i was the only one bro!

[@svtman93]

Holy shit these guys are probably the worst, most monotone car reviewers i have ever watched lmao

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Testing a 160hp 25k car vs a 208 hp 32k car is somehow fair?

[@ArunPlaysPiano]

Stop hating on the Abarth.

[@nat4210]

Love mine

[@Glacielfire]

Welcome to "Car and Driver" Moaning session. "Which car can we find most faults with this week? Oh I just cant decide, I hate my life and my job, that's why I come to work on a bike!!!!"

[@edgarguzman6755]

I completely agree! This video was nothing but nagging! Don't get me wrong, I like CnD, but this video had that feel of "Well....both cars are just plain bad. Hate the gauges, hate the brakes, hate the seats, hate the feel....blah blah blah...but I guess if I had a gun held to me to own one of these 'Oh so terrible' cars it'd have to be..."

[@jerkchickenblog]

oh i like finding faults... i just don't like the horrible lighting, camera, lack of personality and enthusiasm. shit on the cars certainly, but do it in an entertaining manner- these guys seemed depressed. my advice, take two shots of tequila before you roll

[@jimcraig8754]

I've had the Abarth since last May and nothing has fallen off. And if you can't reach the steering wheel, move the seat forward. You did notice that the wheel is adjustable, didn't you? At the very least, you should have learned how to pronounce Abarth.

[@777Talon]

This is such a lifeless review, so monotone

[@BENCOINTERNATIONAL]

Im getting an Abarth for my first car next month!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

So how is the Abarth so far? Do you like it?

[@BENCOINTERNATIONAL]

buildmorefarms100 love it

[@buildmorefarms1007]

What color?

[@akrokdesign]

buildmorefarms100 BENCOINTERNATIONAL way to go! hell of fun car. mine is white with white wheels.

[@EatMyPropwash]

Had one as a rental car in Ft. Laudrdale, the 500 that is. The blind spots are horrific in that car. Plus, it looks way too girly for me.

[@db_outlaw8278]

I love how these guys are so enthusiastic like really you could at least sound happier

[@bbbmw]

aaron robinson is my favorite reviewer ever. i would love to hang out for an entire day and just listen to him talk shit about everything.

[@iSkateAlso]

I'm 19 and the abarth was my first car when I was 18. I couldn't have been happier. Since I bought it I have added a handful of modifications to bring her up to 173bhp and I can tell you this car is amazing. The mini? It's great, but has no character compared to the abarth. The mini may be faster and more confirmation, but the abarth gives you more smiles per mile. Period

[@iSkateAlso]

Comfortable*

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

One hell of car to have when you're 18-19! I picked up my 2015 a couple of weeks ago, such a great car and I love parking it in a heated garage (the exhaust is epic)!

[@iSkateAlso]

It really is Brodey! If you are looking at exhaqusts i'd recommend the milltek most definately!

[@mrastronomical67]

fabio kay the abarth just screams Soul, while the JCW remains completely lifeless

[@iSkateAlso]

Morgan ///AMG You are right Morgan! - Don't get me wrong, the Mini is a great car but it just does not compare to the abarth. Of course the mini is better quality (and more pricey!), but the abarth is just italian madness!

[@saanmedio]

Car and Driver should pick reviewers that have a clue of what they are reviewing, stop comparing a Fiat or a Mini with a Ferrari, come on be more professional and objective instead of complain about how none of the cars are for you.

[@LouisCaputo]

I've got to agree with other posters here, a comparison between the Abarth and a Cooper S would've been more "apples to apples".

[@potentialise]

Glasses is such a downer.

[@katanamast279]

What kind of upgrades did you do to it? Thanks

[@reppav]

I tested both and bought the abarth 7 days ago and could not be more happy. $995 dollars later I have 2 hundred horsepower out of my fiat...loooove it.

[@geraldnau425]

I am eyeing the abarth as well. Who did you use for the horsepower upgrade?

[@Shadowboost]

What road are you guys driving on at 0:42? Somewhere towards the Marin Headlands?

[@KolawoleAremu]

great stuff guys...I enjoyed it..

[@TheKahne9]

Is there a good aftermarket for the Abarth?

[@aggressivetortoise]

Great review, keep it up.

[@wnnarace]

Where do you guys test your car in Irvine?

[@donjuanehd]

how did you get 200 total HP out of your Abarth? What modification did you have done?

[@catheterhero]

watching these guys is like watching two old guys arguing about soup in an old Manhattan deli.

[@franklozano6690]

Did you add a performamce chip to get the extra 40 hp?

[@AbelianGroup]

What did you do to it?

[@redneckblood]

My mom drives one of these and i love it. These guys are complaining on a car they dont know a thing about and pretty much acting like they drive lambos to work everyday. This is a great car. But its not a family car, its a race car. These cars arent all special like a 95,000$ range rover. These are 35,000$ cars with a race pack. They were not built for a family to ride in everyday like a clown car. These guys are complaining about a fine piece of work. Like the trunk, and the wheel. If you were racing on a track you most like would want to have most control and have the wheel close. It helps with handling and stuff like that. And complaining about the exhaust is just BS. it sounds like a beast with it being stock. Its a beautiful car just these guys have minds that kniw nothing but opinions.

[@KeynSong]

So perfect this was reviewed in SF. Just non stop wining with no real substance in the review.... San Francisco, where everyone thinks they're some sort of elitists with fingers pointing out but never pointed inward.

[@sinnerslight]

I've seen reviews by 2 guys who look 200x manlier than these two but didn't complain about a cars interior or exterior based on manliness. They gave credit where credit is due. I can understand the many thumbs down.

[@Cerieous]

Great exterior footage of the cars and nice clips of the city (San Francisco). Thanks for the honest review on preferences between the Mini and Fiat.

[@mfennell70]

I guess I'm in the minority. Aaron's willingness to have some actual negative opinions is refreshing and I find his dry presentation amusing.

[@Dan47702]

Are those mini specs right? 1.6 208 HP?

[@Richo8809]

Anyone know the song at 1.50?

[@twitchster77]

Mini Coopers are my favorite car of all time. But damn...I saw a Fiat 500 and instantly fell in love with the thing. So it's my first car! I'm having SO much fun with it as I'm getting more and more comfortable with the manual transmission.

[@Milnoc]

It's also cheaper to maintain and repair than the Beemer-er-Mini. 😁

[@quackman]

I love all these great car reviews that have been coming available on youtube! Now, this Car and Driver one MIGHT not be the best one out there, but it's better than the complete garbage "car reviews" videos that used to be all that were available. Keep'em coming (and improving), CandD!

[@stevegrennan5419]

also Carlos abarths background story is he used to modify and race his own abarths. I'd say he left the door open to anyone. 22k for an abarth. plus a seemingly endless list of mods as affordable and we'll made as the car. so 22. check out the Jay Leno's garage and the modified abarth. good enough for Jay Leno. good enough for me.

[@CoopedUpFez]

Car and Driver.. You need new people.. I'm open for interviews...

[@robokoolmn]

For weeks I have had sleepless nights filled with agony and self loathing, unable to rest I began slipping into insanity. For me this video review of the Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper JCW is a godsend, at long last I have found something to silence the voices in my head and let my mind and soul slip into a deep sleep. Terrible video, wonderful sleep aid.

[@ricky041878]

seen the abarth on the road and man i love that exhaust sound!

[@jrenkiewicz5000]

It just seems like if u were comparing the two cars u would pick the cooper s bc it's in a closer power and price range. So, when u argue well the mini is faster... Well duh it's almost 10 grand more money. No one ever mentions that the mini requires premium fuel either. Idk. Reviewers just came off arrogant too.

[@BaaSicStuff]

What weird is they found beefs with the Abarth that no one else seemed to.

[@X180SE]

dynamic personalities insightful analysis stellar opinions transcendent intellects my mind can’t keep-up with these guys

[@Antonug]

Are you working for Fiat mr, bad Jacket ?

[@fabiomirelli3360]

the abarth roaring away at 8:50 determined ye are 2 geeks

[@doverlabs]

I don't think you guys are wrong...I just think you guys don't like small cars. A lot of your cons were coming from a) prejudice (it's a fiat so bash this part and that part), b) not caring about small cars enough. ALL small cars carry the negatives that you guys mentioned....so you want a bigger car then? You want all Minis to become SUVs??? It's reviewers like you that get cars like the Civic bloating up.

[@reginaljohnson7955]

I've lived with both for about 1 week each. . . both lots of fun. . . Mini did have better handling. . . Fiat sounded better - especially when rowing through the gears in the canyons.

[@Fullest123]

the exhaust on the abarth is amazing

[@rogalesi58]

you guys didn't do a good job, just a miserable one, did you get paid for this ?

[@warrenmiller6107]

So that is what Jay and Silent Bob are up to now!

[@altoidd]

I had 2 older Mini's, the first one i got from Grandfather,low miles and went fast for a go cart (fun every time you drove it !! ) .Second one was for rally, fun but it fell apart all the time! but put smile on face. lol.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

These robots are pretty believable. Almost like real car reviewers.

[@Djyova1018]

Well I am 15 year boy and I am not sure wat to get s2000 or mini

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

My strap on the tailgate has been going...2 weeks strong.

[@ravesilly]

you guys should do a subaru wrx sti vs a mitsubishi evo

[@tylerhilligoss]

Mmmm, the black cack. My favorite. It's a family favorite so I'm not surprised. We've been eating black cack for centuries! You're a smart one, alright!

[@genefury75]

I agree i have driven both cars and i must say they are both some great cars

[@lbryan250]

The MINI cabin might be off-putting to some to start. But like almost anything you'd just get used to it eventually. Also the shifter is not really that easy to be put into reverse; if you can do that accidentally you're probably tugging on it a bit too hard.

[@stevieawalt2437]

Sooooo awesome buddy! Love the comment.

[@hduncan2587]

SF has so many tunnels-- should have given some nice bits of sound. I'd have the Abarth since it's not the easy choice. That and I'm already used to awkward seating and less-than-perfect dynamics. The Mini speedometer might be in the middle like I'm used to, but it's in a far less practical way.

[@bluemoonseller]

i love that launch.

[@BrandonPatsch1]

I have never seen a Mini Cooper JCW on the road but I have seen fairs everywhere

[@autothisworld]

where is the GTi?

[@TribecaSam]

What about Veloster?

[@8oakburnwalk]

Where did you find these two charismatic characters?

[@RedRacerTURBO]

I would like to be able to hear more of each car's exhaust notes in the video, only so much can be conveyed by spoken word. Also would have liked to hear that burnout the mini did. Other than that, its a great vid!

[@heybulldog137]

Abarth all the way.

[@coffeekhan]

Ok. Reached 1:30 in this, and just couldn't watch any more. 1:30 of my life I'll never get back.

[@beckakim1225]

Isn't that "handle" a boot release?

[@x1pyroveride]

I have NEVER had a problem going into 1st and 3rd in a mini. You have to really beat it to get it to go in reverse as you are driving. I did try it when i had my 2005 when i first got it because i was afraid to put it in there as i was driving. My only conclusion is he didnt drive it. Ive never driven a fiat so i can't compare the two, but i am devoted to minis.

[@zackduellman88]

could not agree more with what you said.

[@davey6680]

I agree, i like the 500 better than the Mini, but if i had the chance to only drive one car on a windy road it would be no contest the Mini When someone asks u have u ever had the chance to drive a Mini u can say yes and they will praise u for it cause i believe in what Top gear (UK) presenter Jeremy Clarkson says, that we should all start with a mini as our first car because its like a road-going go-kart

[@Ottaro]

Actually I was thinking along the same line but was thinking the Beetle turbo since both Mini and 500 are "retro" type cars.

[@MSG1976]

The comments from the viewers are more entertaining than the review.

[@autothisworld]

Probably the JCW because I always wanted to get a mini when I was younger, but never went through with it

[@garysdeskcom]

I see several advantages in the Fiat. The car offers cheaper fun, can probably be serviced by a larger number of dealers and is slightly sharper looking than the Mini.

[@jdydbgdsy]

cool review but I would enjoy more, if it was Punto Abarth vs Mini JCW

[@FasterThanSoup]

I flipped through some comments during the ad and the intro and thought "the review can't be that bad". I was a little wrong. Better editing and using reviewers that actually have a pulse would have been a big improvement. The other poster was correct, check other reviews for quicker, precise and upbeat reviews; Driven and TFL Cars (long winded, but at least more in depth)

[@EuFaloDeCarro]

They talk about steering feel as it was something to use every day. I would trade steering precision for that great noise from Abarth any time

[@MercOilbuner]

Which explains that guys issue with the seats. LOL!

[@EmreBozkurtGuitar]

I shut down the video as soon as i hear the American accent :)

[@Benizle2]

check out road race motorsports. they sell/develop tons of aftermarket stuff for the abarth and just the regular 500

[@schwuller2008]

i haven't heard this much WHINING since Myra Rudolph did Debbie Downer on SNL. and the hairy guy is clearly in a coma.

[@offroader156]

I agree with you guys. The Mini is one of the best sporty small cars (multilink rear!), but they just went overboard with the looks..

[@ZoomZoom81]

I don't understand why all you auto journalists keep comparing the 500 Abarth to the JCW Mini. Why not the Cooper S? That seems much more appropriate of a comparison. The JCW is an aftermarket tuner that just happens to sell thru its dealers.

[@TribecaSam]

I agree 100%

[@SBARTSTV]

cool

[@BornAragorn]

I am glad to see a review with unbiased(please note my SARCASM) reviewers. Jeez!

[@coconutsaredelicious]

agree

[@lancefitzgiben]

I loved loved loved the Abarth when I drove one. Great sound, better power delivery than other 1.4 turbos that I drove the same day. (chevy sonic) But mainly the Abarth just stirred me up, I wanted to take it home with me, I wanted to keep on driving it. I do love the Minis, but the JCW is way too expensive and there are traits that I just can't embrace - like the central speedo, uninspired steering wheel, etc.

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

I understand the comparo. These are both Euro hot hatches with roots in the 60's, but the modern versions really are in two different classes size and price wise. To be fair, the comparo should have been between the Abarth and the Cooper S. The JCW is actually 2 engine upgrades above the base and the Abarth is just 1. I believe a more potent 500 is coming too. The Essesse I believe.

[@killerracernos]

They are in San Francisco....

[@moorewr]

Good point - they should be comparing the Abarth with a Mini S.

[@TheMainMan318]

welp guess ill keep looking for another review of these two cars..

[@itrance]

as much as i did not like this review, they did make a good point about the abarth steering wheel positioning vs the pedals and shifter...it is annoying there is no comfort level. Other than that this car is SICKKKKK sounds like heaven

[@caerroma]

I own a cooper s and i drove once the abarth 500 it is a very good car but i agree that the mini is a superior car, I also own a porsche and even the comparison between mini and Porsche seats is true, the comments are very direct but true, i think this is a really good comparison

[@FasterThanSoup]

Loops, DriveCarReviews and check out RoadFly as well

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

The Mini has more space....because it is a B SEGMENT CAR...the Abarth is an A segment car.

[@5Qu1Z33r]

That's not what i meant. I can google their 0-60 times, but the thing is - i want to SEE them do it :)

[@furryroadkill]

"It sounds like an exhaust leak" are you fucking kidding me?

[@jerwgar]

For someone not on a track the steering is subjective. I really wanted a mini but hated the steering and loved the Fiat's. I love being able to accelerate through a corner and let the steering wheel feather out of my hand and straiten itself out perfectly without any effort. The mini by my definition is flat and has to be steered back strait.