Fiat 500 Abarth Review (Tiny Turbos Pt.1) -- Everyday Driver

After many viewer requests, the guys fold themselves into the sub-compact market in search of big power in small packages. The Fiat 500 Abarth goes up against the Fiesta ST in this search for fun in small cars with small prices.
See Part 2, The Fiesta ST Here!
• Ford Fiesta ST Review ...
And look for lots more from us on Thursdays!
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[@stupid2574]

My girlfriend has an abarth and to be honest I think I like it more than I like her...

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Why?

[@joshgarza1527]

Omg I'm dead lol

[@VinceYT2408]

Are you with her for the Abarth ?

[@Poorgeniu5]

What if, she loves the Abarth more than you?

[@guy3090]

this comment wins the internet.

[@barbeilenfield3350]

It is very true that owning an Abarth is like owning a small dragon. When I drive it to work, I arrive much happier. I also have taken it on long road trips and achieved 38 MPG with the 5 speed. Perhaps the neighbors are not happy when I start it up at 5:30 am, but this car makes that morning commute a real pleasure. Keep it up, Fiat.

[@MooMofo]

+Barb Eilenfield You bring up a good point I hadn't though of. I also leave for work at 5:30 in the morning, sometimes 6:30. Is it really loud enough to possibly annoy some neighbors?

[@motormusique]

Yay, a woman who appreciates a sporty car! That is very rare to see on these pages

[@Durango280zx]

Barb Eilenfield I owned one for awhile and it can be on cold spring the exhaust even pops and bang like it's a true race car there is no muffler from the factory at least not without paying for it haha

[@1970borntorun]

See my above comment Barb !! :-) " Fiat - The cure for cold, sterile German cars... "

[@johncorona4337]

38 mpg would be a minor miracle: let me guess, sport button off and never got over 60 mph.

[@Tessou]

The sport button is there to switch to a more turbo-happy ECU map when the engine is warmed up. You're supposed to keep it off of sport until you have 3 bars on the oil temp, then you can safely open it up.

[@varmastiko2908]

Also the 'normal' drive mode is very useful when there is ice on the road. In sport mode the accelerator pedal is too quick to react for very slippery conditions.

[@Durango280zx]

after owning mine for 7 months now I love my abarth people always laugh and blow it off as an economy car till I start it, the note realy sells the car and the way it drives warms people's hearts

[@tylergoad9493]

Tyler Curtis I'm looking into getting one. It won't be for awhile but should I get the Abarth 500 or 124 Spider? Both intrigue me and both look and sound amazing. I have a 2012 Honda Civic right now and I really want a fun car to drive.

[@Durango280zx]

Depends on what you want out of a car but the 124 spider at least for me would be the best choice it's better looking and is rwd but if you plan on having bigger trunk space you can fit alot into the 500, both will be a tun of fun. On a side note of your not buying new get a extended warranty some things on fiats a alittle problematic.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

The Spider doesnt sound like the Abarth.

[@DSDaTacoSauce]

buildmorefarms100 yes it does. you gotta buy the 124 spider abarth.

[@1970borntorun]

That is the Italian way! Cars with SOUL and CHARM! Not cold and technical like the Germans... ♥

[@mikeh9080]

As soon as i started the Abarth at the dealer i knew id drive off the lot with it. Best car ive ever owned.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

For me the Abarth 500/595 is the spiritual successor to the Renault 5 GT Turbo from the 80s and 90s, that was a cheap, lightweight, 1.4l turbocharged car, not overly quick but huge fun, a proper little go cart for the road.

[@derringercycles]

I have owned an Abarth for a couple years and had the same startup sequence/annoyance that I had to hit the sport button for full power every time until recently. In stop and go traffic on the freeways in SoCal turning off sport is a revelation, it gets makes crawling along soooo much smoother, you don't notice how snatchy the throttle is in this car on sport mode when you are driving it in normal conditions but it becomes terrible in traffic. Love these EverydayDriver reviews, thorough and great production value.

[@darksideofmind91]

"This is exhaust porn note!" LOL

[@andybroer651]

I have to say, Paul, the car didn't forget it can handle curves, YOU did. It isn't the car that 'forgot' YOU did. Give it some credit! It is much more capable than most people think it is. BUT it is... capable. It is even better with a few modifications. I still love the review, so thanks! I still adore my daily "Small Dragon" driver.

[@andybroer651]

I've now owned my 500Abart(h) for a few years... and I have a reason for the 'Sport button' ...I turn it off in heavy traffic b/c it makes the car less reactive to the throttle and easier to drive in heavy traffic or parking lots. As soon as I am up to speed on on an open road I turn it back on. Sport button on driving at low speeds is jerky and with it off its much smoother.

[@ehrenvincelette8688]

Just got mine two weeks ago, driiving this thing is just pure fun. You can get awesome fuel economy but still rip it in sport mode. Super practical and affordable sports car that really most people sleep on.

[@eddyd9521]

I own a 2012 Abarth. I love the seating position a lot. With a few mods this car can be improved on. You take a great car and make it an awesome car. I feel like I’m driving a more expensive, performance car. I love the design both inside and out. I love the Abarth badging and exhaust. The performance, design, exhaust is what sold me on it. So many people love it and ask me about my Abarth. They are intrigued by it. It’s like my baby Ferrari. This is a car I highly recommend people buy.

[@powerspec88]

As someone who has bought his 2013 Abarth new and has owned it now for over 7 years, still one of my best buys. I got the EC Phase 0 tune (~195hp/205tq) and she is quick! Now that she is paid off and I'm working on getting my next car, she will be turned in to a full drag car by 2021!

[@elai3147]

curious, how many miles do you have on it and any major repair issues?

[@powerspec88]

@@elai3147 Currently sitting just over 97k miles. At 72k, I had to replace the engine due to a ringland failure which I assumed was caused from me sitting over 2 hours in 100F on the highway as she started to have issues the very next day. Got a new long block and new turbo as my wastegate was loose and starting to crack. Didn't get my tune till this year after she was paid off. Once I buy a new car, I'll be dropping in a bigger turbo and switching to OpenFlash so I can start to tune on my own. Hoping to get back to my local road course to see if I can better my lap times as I upgrade each part.

[@hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109]

@@elai3147 same story as his. 13' abarth 117k miles now. other than rear wheel bearings at 115k and gas cap its been flawless for me. Ive left mine bone stock though. Original clutch still lol

[@elai3147]

@@hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109 same story? he replaced the engine!

[@bugattirocksful]

I cannot wait to get mine on Friday of this week. It's a 2013 fully loaded that retailed for 28.5k brand new. It has 14k miles and it is a 5 speed. I payed 10k USD for it. So stoked!

[@nikosvasilakos9827]

+bugattirocksful good car bro i orded a 595 turismo its amazing :p

[@Z3sty367]

+bugattirocksful THATS AWESOME!!! I'll be getting one in JUNE hate waiting!!!!

[@donbagab9627]

From where!? Which state as well?

[@UmmmmRamos]

+Daniel Castaneda you got it?

[@Z3sty367]

YES, i'm not lying when i say the quality of life literally is better because i have such a good time in this car. Afterwork i'm always ready to turn that key. People always ask about, photos taken. Its pretty awesome!

[@Angusrather]

I have the 2015 Abarth 595 Turismo and I can assure you it is very fun to drive and perfect for where I live. The car handles great and because it is not perfect you have to put some thought into driving the car, it isn't simply point and squirt. I got mine for £16,500 which may be cheaper than the UK as I am not charged VAT where I live. You buy this car for the excitement it gives you, and I can guarantee that every time you get in this car and turn the key the sound alone will put a smile on your face. You could even take this one step further and slap the Monza exhaust on it and make everyone else smile!

[@WolfPackDrifting]

I bought a Abarth and absolutely love it! It is a blast to drive.. I mean come on... 'It's a Dragon!' LOL.....and with a few supporting suspension mods, its an awesome dragon! Great Over all reviews of both cars!

[@UmmmmRamos]

Do you know how much gain it will get with e85 conversion and a tune?

[@WolfPackDrifting]

That I won't know.. But give the guys a call over at 500Madness ... They would be able to tell you.. They specialize in these cars!

[@lesterhiatt1086]

I just bought an Abarth. It is a great little car! I'm 6' 2" and fit nicely in the car. I love the beats sound system and the exhaust system too! Plenty of pick me up!!! Would like to find video about the dash display. Thanks for the review!

[@sophisticated]

that abarth has a lot of charm

[@1970borntorun]

It's Italian! It's not cold and Business-like, like a German Car lol :)

[@1970borntorun]

Right. It's not German.... lol ;)

[@doverlabs]

The Sport button makes perfect sense. Just driving around with that exhaust and being in stop and go traffic...with the throttle response and exhaust noise...it gets very tiring. There are times you don't want the dragon breathing fire. With the sport button off, the car is still charismatic!

[@zadeh79]

Thanks for helping me buy an Abarth!

[@enaicee]

Hearing one of these for the first time around a parking lot was definitely a pleasant surprise.

[@jasontman36]

YOU GUYS MADE ME BUY THIS CAR!!! I LOVE IT! ...YO!

[@abartholomewstallone649]

jasontman36 Me too! This Abarth is so cool!

[@samwichse]

Same here... got one last week :)

[@RivetGardener]

@@samwichse Cool, man!

[@mr.aleximer]

How did it go, does it worth the money?

[@Ferraridude13]

Long term ownership thoughts?

[@donaldlane4039]

Had a 2010 Miata retractable hard top, had a 2011 Honda CRZ, had a 2009 Smart Brabus....hands down the 2012 Fiat Abarth beats all of them hands down...Fiat Abarth handles better then the Mazda MX 3 Miata ever did and is FUN FUN FUN!....You can buy other cars with more power and option's but at the end of the day it really truly is fun and the exhaust note makes me smile every time I drive it.....Snort crackle and pop the dragon found a home in my garage....Also Haggerty Insurance company who handles all the classic cars rates the 2012 FIAT Abarth 1 of the top 10 collector cars they predict in the coming years so go buy one cheap and drive it like you stole it and then keep it....it might be an investment later on =).

[@madogblue]

I agree with your review. I just sold my supercharged Lotus Elise SC and I am keeping my Abarth. I can drive it every day and not draw attention while every blip of the throttle make me smile, and oh the ecu upgrade I added makes the car even more ridiculously entertaining.

[@jasontman36]

"THE WHOLE DAMN CAR IS A SPORT BUTTON" LOL! ....YO!

[@billysmothers7428]

I just traded in my 2012 Fiat 500 Pop on a 2013 Abarth. It had 5500 miles on the chassis. The car was a buy back because the original motor failed and there was a problem with the seat rail. Fiat put a new motor in the car and fixed the seat. My car was originally a California car. I bought it in McKinney, TX for $18k. Mine has the 17 inch wheels, full climate control, heated seats, sun roof, Sirrius radio, navigation - it is loaded! I also got the premium care warranty. You might find a similar low mileage Abarth that will fit your budget - it really is a totally different car.

[@alanoby2837]

One of my young, blonde grand daughters has bought one, she`s got the biggest grin when she goes out in hers. It really is a growler.

[@jordan5552]

Some of the best reviewers on KZbin. Love your videos

[@abartholomewstallone649]

I OWN ''A DRAGON!'' ....YO!

[@chrisprince5490]

I drive this car everyday turning head at any point possible but yes the reason why i love it is its loud and its very cheap to fill up. Pretty much $17 tops when i fill it up, you cant beat that compared to most cars and even then other cars do not steer as swift and easily as this car weaving in and out of traffic.

[@fasttny6299]

The abarth takes premium fuel only, 17$ seems way cheap.

[@kennyusa4465]

This is definitely one of the best review! Good job guys! 👍

[@K-Gcleaning]

Is this really the stock exhaust on the 500 abarth? That sounds awesome!

[@michaels6490]

+Grant McLemore yes man

[@K-Gcleaning]

+Michael S that's awesome!

[@onetwothreefour1234.]

It depends on the year, some of them don't come with a good sports exhaust

[@7Logik]

Grant McLemore it's a straight pipe basically ,sounds similar to the Neon SRT-4 ,aggressive and growly

[@msndotnet01]

I rented one and drove it at 4am, the exhaust is awesome.

[@Bluetrane100]

Great review guys! Filed with the joy of driving, something a lot of other reviewers forget about.

[@jboy914]

EverydayDriver The Abarth sounds so good because it has no muffler! Got to be the only car currently on the market that you can buy that is straight piped from the factory!! It still has Cat's of course, but pretty damn cool!

[@Rascal77s]

The guy in the red shirt looks like Buffalo Bob from Silence of the Lambs.

[@TheGuilleantonio82]

hahaha hahaha

[@onetwothreefour1234.]

Savage 😂😂😂

[@pd7608]

Rascal77s *Bill

[@sebaspaz0103]

Rascal77s omg!!!!! Lmfao I was thinking about the same thing!

[@Codescardbarn]

It puts the lotion on its skin

[@madogblue]

Love my Abarth plain and simple

[@erikgonzalez2278]

madogblue I'm really considering picking one up the incentives are $5k off msrp right now

[@erikgonzalez2278]

madogblue $19k as a daily sign me up!

[@alexstone6330]

I recently bought a 2012 fiat 500 Sport, and it is so much fun to drive that I find excuses to get on the road. "Let's see...I'm sure there's got to be somewhere I need to go..." Love ripping thru her gears. Now I am dying to get the Abarth model. 3rd job: check.

[@MrWackotaco]

Great review guys. I just rented one in Milan and drove 1000 miles in 4 days in northern Italy. What a fun car. I might have to have one. But, where I live the roads are terrible. The Kart feel and exhaust are enough to owe one I think. Aloha and keep up the good work.

[@lifenexus]

"Exhaust Porn" LOL! You guys made my day! You do have some really great reviews!

[@agnijaozolina7350]

I have it. And I love every second in that car. Plus, finding parking is a breeze!

[@winglessang31]

Say what you want about the abarth but that exhaust note is 🔥🔥🔥 sounds way more expensive if you can’t see what car it’s coming from.

[@Terraceview]

You two are brilliant. You just need to make more vids!:)

[@lancemannion4113]

Test drove this, a Mini Cooper s, and the Fiesta ST. As good as the Fiat exhaust may be, the Fiesta trumps it in every other way. So I very happily bought one. Much more usable space behind the front seats, Recaro's that are absolutely next level, styling that will age much better and doesn't try to be too cute, unlike the Fiat, it doesn't feel like you're sitting on top of the car but rather in it (yet still with excellent all around visibility) - more power and a lot more bottom end grunt (although the mini is pretty fast!) .... and the clincher - once at speed on a curvy mountain road (I am in BC after all) nothing can touch this in the corners and curves. The suspension tuning and steering on the Fiesta deserves some kind of award! You'll lose your nerve long before the car loses its ability. 2 years later, absolutely zero problems with it and it still makes me come up for reasons to go somewhere... anywhere!

[@hombre1mia]

You guys make the best car videos....bar none! True Pros!

[@MartyHealthy]

The sport button adds the extra torque so it's needed. On my 2014 that button makes a big difference. Great review guys, lol small dragon so funny.

[@wifitizzy2064]

Abarth. Tons of modifications, tons of fun, and sounds cool.

[@benlen1979]

The hip height is for leg room. No matter what they tell you. Sit lower have less room in the back or have to stretch the wheelbase.

[@omnitraveller]

I drove the Fiesta ST for 3 days as a rental. It put a huge smile on my face every time I sat in it.

[@Radient001]

Always look forward to your videos.

[@fallenxangel105]

I love affordable turbo cars. I was looking forward to this review and it was great.

[@ChengHooSew]

That badge and that exhaust note are really nice.

[@dre32pitt]

It most definitely sounds like a neon srt4. Which isnt surprising considering the fiat/dodge relationship. I wish my Focus ST sounded like this.

[@Yeroc357]

People constantly hate on the 500, but I like it. Cute little car.

[@SpudEater]

I'm picking up a 2013 this weekend which will be awesome. It's lowered on coilovers, gopedal, short shifter, and catless DP. I drove the modified one versus one from the dealer, huge difference and I can't pass up one modded tastefully.

[@simongentry]

thank you guys! kinda made my mind up on the Abarth

[@RivetGardener]

"This Abarth seems like a fun place to be" For sure. I love my 2017 model, had it for near a year now. You guys nailed the review, well done! Don't like the sport button on mine, makes the ride too stiff, as if it wasn't stiff enough. The exhaust sound is so darn good....wow, turns heads. Sounds like my (way back when) rodded 1971 MG Midget. Paul, Todd; Rock on! You guys did really good.

[@hewasdeadwhenigotthere7109]

That button doesnt mess with the exhaust in anyway lol but ok

[@pedromalave3790]

Ford has really up'd it's game when it comes to the ford fiesta st, and the focus st. I take my hat off to you, very impressive keep up the good work.

[@samuelrs5138]

I test drove both today. I liked both, but really loved the Fiesta. The Fiat was at it's best when you threw it into a corner (as much as I could before I felt the saleswoman we super uncomfortable!). The styling is actually nice, although admittedly I couldn't get past it being a kind of feminine car, and also the power was just underwhelming to be honest; I couldn't get away from the feeling that I'd get the same performance in a pretty much any base car out there. The Fiesta was fun in the same way, although I didn't feel like I was making excuses for it like I had to do to purchase the Fiat in my mind. The Fiesta is also styled really nice and it feels like it's a not a girly car, nor absurdly small (for UK standards!). The performance is equally great in the windy bits of road, and it has enough pop to satisfy on the straightaways. I'm not sure I'm going to buy either of them but I am 100% on the side of the Ford.

[@Bomiz]

Amazing review.

[@tenshi-san9653]

Loved the review. I always thought the Abarth was a puppy dog that wants to have fun all the time...But I like the small dragon reference... Excited for Fiesta review.

[@Veyronp87]

really dont care for the regular 500 but this abarth is kinda cool

[@stephanematis]

Dreamworks would like to thank you about the "small dragon" reference ;) Abarth badge gathers good emotions.

[@EverydayDriver]

LOL... No reference to the upcoming movie intended. Unless of course Dreamworks would like to advertise with us. ;-) Thanks for watching!

[@cgrscott]

The video production has a cinematic quality and the reviewers have good comedic timing in their sarcasm.

[@MrFeyerwire]

I cannot believe how much the price of the base Fiat 500 & Fiat 500 Abarth cars have increased. I was looking at an Abarth, right after Fiat first entered the US market and the base prices were around 13k & 16k respectively. Fiat has obviously taken advantage of their success, just like Hyundai & Kia did with their economically priced entry models.

[@GuilleSanchez.answers]

Todd said not to pick a car for the sound but changed my 2015 WRX for a 2018 STI to get the rumble and it worked more than well for me.

[@tormodskoog9088]

I have a 2016 and love it. I actually prefer the upright seating. It doesn't make me feel like I'm in a small car. I'm having more fun in this than my old miata...which was also a great car.

[@thisisrob8750]

that's the idea of the seats being placed higher to make the car feel larger.

[@pkonneker]

My mom owns the 500L and loves it. Never would've thought, but Fiat does got it goin' on.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

These are currently 7,000USD with 50K miles on them, which makes them an absolutely ridiculously good value.

[@mikecsiki22]

Just picked one up a few weeks ago.....I'm gonna get tickets! Hahahhahaha...it's a super fun,quick car! I love it

[@TheBr0th3rsPrimm]

The first time I saw the abarth irl driving around a parking lot I was pretty amazed by the exhaust note

[@jacobreed47]

Traded in my 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 for this. And I love it so far.

[@gsg9ff]

RRM has great mods for the Abarth. You can definitely wake the car up with modest mods. I did the ECM & CAI on my 13 & it goes like a bat out of hell.

[@zus1959]

every word is spot on! great review

[@scottjames6037]

Great exhaust sound recordings

[@DH-gp3gp]

Great video. I truly enjoy everyone.

[@nbrigdan]

It's so cute. You should drive a tuned one! They make mad power with simple bolt ons and a tune!

[@chasehammock]

thanks for the great review - I have one of these cars and I love it.

[@gene978]

You Guys are AMAZING! I priced out the 2014 ABARTH and it can be had as low as $20,500 True Market Price with destination. Every reviewer LOVES the Exhaust Note and it sounds amazing. I had to laugh when the camera footage of these Big Guys are shown speeding down the twisty road sitting upright like in a bus seat. It really does look funny.

[@rodsalvador3608]

Try finding a remaining 2013. They're giving them away with up to $5-$6k discounts. I purchased a base Abarth for $17k!!

[@TheSpartanMartin]

"This car sucks - BUY IT" seems to be the theme of every abarth review.

[@1970borntorun]

I don't know what kind of Pot you get, but I haven't heard anyone say "this car sucks". Except maybe morons who think German cars are superior.

[@mss627]

Before you die you have to take an ST on a winding road. I swear to you when you push it to its limits it feels like you're in a car chase movie. It's so fucking awesome.

[@ScottAllenBugsy]

Great review! "Small dragon" is how I will forever describe this car to my customers at The Auto Gallery Maserati Alfa Romeo Fiat in Van Nuys. Because "pocket Maserati" may be too many syllables!!

[@sergiogoncalves4719]

Great review! Regards from Portugal.

[@HTSPascal]

These two cars are not my thing, i own a S2000, but i gotta say that although i don't care about the cars, you somehow manage it to make the review interessting. I think you are one of the best car-reviewers on youtube and i hope that you'll make more vids in the future :) thanks for doing a great job!

[@EverydayDriver]

Knowing you watch and enjoy our work even when the car doesn't interest you... that's about the biggest compliment you could offer us. Thank you!

[@babooseven]

In the winter I drove with Sport off. Made a big difference

[@StreetCruizer]

Great review guys! I had one of those behind me just yesterday on a speed limited section of the Autobahn. It pushed quite strong and felt like it's going to park in my Jetta wagon trunk any second - which would almost fit btw. Although it looks a little aggressive with that bodykit and I know it blows my daily driver in performance, I just can't take it seriously. It misses Ueberhol-Prestige (Pass-Prestige)...

[@jackalclone1]

I traded my Abarth in for a limited edition Kia Stinger GTS. The Stinger is an insanely incredible car. But I still miss the indefinable personality, fun, and "angry-ness" of my Abarth. Never driven a vehicle whose personality I could feel quite like it. And its cornering with its wheelbase and diff was incredible and always took you by surprise. And when the exhaust would pop when downshifting at a stop light, it was like it was yelling at you for slowing down. The longer I owned it, the more I loved it.

[@skullman0819]

You can adjust the seating pretty low. I also use my abarth for food delivery , the sport button is awesome to have off while working it really saves on gas by lowering rpm and boost range.

[@OmegaF77]

The Abarth sounds like a low revving Maserati Ghibli.

[@kgthekidal21]

Great vid Everydaydriver has to do a vid on the 2014 ford taurus SHO 3.5L Eco boost

[@Burzum325]

I love lightweight cars. I'm still deciding between the abarth and the fiesta but the abarth just seems more special

[@IanKen]

Nice review, I liked driving the 500' this looks like a blast to drive

[@akrokdesign]

Test drive one at your local Fiat dealer.

[@dodgehemi5045]

I traded the Jeep TJ for New Abarth Rosso Red Cab just like this black Abarth with red dash trims & red leather & those sweet Esssess 17" with Tom Tom Nav for $32K minus 2013 clearance sale = $23k Sale . TJ Jeep gas expense = $6600/yr @16k miles/yr F500 petrol expense = $2200/yr @ 16k miles/yr I just saved over $20,000 in gas before my F500 warranty expires in 60m. i got 72m @2% APR instead of 48m @ 8% on used TJ gas hog 10-14mpg with stock gear 5spd

[@dodgehemi5045]

traded Abarth for last year Saab Turbo conv.

[@andybroer651]

I bought a 2103 Abart(h)... its so fun! Its a small dragon! Love beating people at stop lights! Awesome small dragon!

[@cargueone1971]

Bought my 2013 Abarth new for 17000 plus tax. Great bang for buck. Now at 135,000 miles, still fun.

[@edmondwoojr511]

Hey that car looks familiar. It slowly grew kn me. Looking forward to the fiesta st review...

[@TheSignatureK]

The pipes on this thing though.

[@bobadams5394]

Love you guys, blue sneakers included.....

[@TheBigSaxon]

That was the most entertaining car review I've ever seen. You guys are awesome.

[@RealtimeReviews613]

GREAT REVIEW MAKES ME WANT ONE

[@tarokurusu82]

"... at the end, you own a dragon!"