The Best FIAT 500 was NOT an ABARTH? The Forgotten 1.4 16V 100HP.

[@NYFreeman]

In the US we got the 1.4 made in Mexico which didn't help. The engine is great. We had a Natural Aspirated engine from 2012-2014 100HP, the Turbo model in 2013 ~120 HP. Abarth ~160 HP, not the same as in the UK. They are slow at take off, but on the Highway they can do 80-100 MPH like nothing.

[@gi9807]

I have the 1.4 multiair 101HP, manual with 247300 miles, still runs extremly smooth, all it needed so far was a clutch ones, timing belt ones and front break pads

[@kolbpilot]

Thanks for the info. At 138,xxx miles on my Sport, I feel I've got a ways to go.

[@ypaut]

Well I'm sold, perfect buying guide actually. I liked the looks, but would not have expected this car to be any reliable!

[@carsandcustard]

Thanks!

[@marcodixon6035]

I have a 2015 pop bought new runs great no real issues regular maintenance never had check engine light handles great in the snow still in good shape after 9 Syracuse winters looking to buy a second one I've been a mechanic for 35 yrs its the best car I've owned when it comes to reliability and surprised how quick it is

[@anderschristensen2354]

had mine pop 0,9 twinair from new,8 years now and today i changed the thing behind the door handle it was broken for some time now,nothing else has broken on it,only regular maintenance,good car.

[@abath3493]

These are a bit of a hidden gem! Looks like a great spec too. Would love to see an Abarth on the channel.

[@jameskrell4392]

My last two cars were Alfa Romeo’s, they were my all time favourites and I have had both Mercedes and BMW but prefer Alfa. I’m now retired and own a Fiat 500 and I love it. For everyday use its perfect, I only cary one pasenger so room in the back is not a problem. It has all the extra’s and comforts. As for the FIAT fire engine FIRE stands for Fully Integrated Robotised Engine.

[@TheJuno60]

Agree with all of this and I enjoyed your review. I absolutely love my 2008 1.4 Sport which I’ve owned since 2010. Loves to be thrashed, looks pretty, sounds good, nicely weighted steering (with Sport mode engaged) and brings on smiles with every drive. Without doubt the most reliable car I’ve ever owned and I even find it comfortable on long journeys, cruising on the motorway and dual carriageway in 6th gear. Mine hasn’t let me down in 14 years, even with lapses in the maintenance schedule in recent years. Will not sell it, even though it’s a little used garage queen nowadays.

[@minionofgozer7414]

I currently have a 1.2 Lounge, and I bought it because its cheap to run and maintain. The economy being the way it is I needed to save money so its helping me do that, plus its 60s styling makes it more fun to drive. Most cars today look like featureless electric shavers so its nice to have something a little different 🤷‍♂️

[@johnwalton9009]

Underrated channel. Keep doing what you’re doing. Nice review

[@FastDriver318]

The intake sound is reminding me of E46 M3... don't hate 😂

[@carsandcustard]

Ouch! I thought the video alone would upset the average enthusiast 😂

[@kolbpilot]

The American non-turbo FIAT 500s are all the same, regardless whether it's a Sport, Pop, or Gucci. They get all the turbo engine cooling features internally without the turbo. 101 hp. MultiAir, 16 valve cylinder head. Non-turbo intake and exhaust manifolds, & a higher compression set of pistons (10.8 vs. 9.8 turbo) are the only changes.

[@raymondmumford6255]

Love these little things ❤

[@stratrovarius]

This was a very useful video. Thank you.

[@wowareyouseriouserightnow]

brilliant M8t i'm in the market for a 500 now after watching this video I know what to buy...a 500C Lounge 1.4 16V 100HP Cheers for the video!

[@JJonCars]

Refreshing to hear from someone who has made their own actual opinion on something that is based on experience and facts :) It's so easy to jump on a bandwagon with a car not really knowing anything about it. I'd love to have a go in the 1.4 100hp, sounds like a sweet spot. The Twinair I quite enjoy but as you say the fuel economy is hilariously bad, and you have to rev its balls off even if you're just tootling around town 😂

[@carsandcustard]

The Twinair is great, I just wish the fuel economy was as claimed! I’d accept revving the balls off it if got 50 mpg all day long. You definitely need to try the 1.4, I’d love to see your opinion…

[@DavidBridgewaters]

After watching your video, I want one now. You we're having so much fun .

[@aldojacobi6007]

Good vid thanks. I own a 500Sport 100HP 1.4 & love it. It's just FUN! I had H & R springs fitted & the ride for me now is perfect. 👍🏼😎👌🏼

[@aleksandarkrgovic8872]

My man i hardly understand your English

[@elliskaranikolaou2550]

I own a Fiat 500 Linea Rossa 2016. Same Engine and gearbox. Bought it in 2016, but only done 800 KMS. I drive it around the block once a week, been garaged since new. Looks like I picked the right one. Subscribed.

[@Taino871]

We own a 2012 Fiat 500 Gucci, it has 85,000 miles and still runs strong. My wife loves it. We’ve driven it everywhere. She turned down the Tesla she loves it so much.

[@mcplindgren]

I will admit I never thought the Fiat 500 as more than 'the car daddy bought me', but it really is one of the best city cars really. I've driven the 1.2 Panda and it's a hoot to drive but I think a 1.4 in any city car is the sweet spot, just the right amount of everything 😅 love your honest review and enthusiasm for this little car 👌🏻

[@noel5874]

Great video. I consider myself a petrol head and share your disappointment with all the other engines, I always said Fiat should do an engine in between the 1.2 and the Abarth engines. My wife has the 1.2 but wants more power without having to get the Abarth. I did not know these existed. Just wish Fiat had made more of them.

[@juliemclaughlin68]

Great to watch. I’m getting a new white mild hybrid soon, really looking forward to it!

[@adampage9345]

Bellissimo !! Great review Harry 👍

[@jasonlewry3307]

Nice review… totally get your points. Found a special one locally and after seeing your thoughts we are off to drive it this morning…. It’s for my 17 year old daughter of course….. but I have to be collected from the pub in it. 😊

[@carsandcustard]

Hope all went well! Thanks for watching 👍

[@charlesbowtle15]

Ive had my late father's 2010 1.4 blackjack for two years now and I dont think ill ever part ways with it

[@agustincuevae]

Best fiat 500c 1.4 video ever 💯🏁🙌🏼

[@cbca6567]

Nonsense about Panda looks since looks are subjective. My Panda 100hp 6 speed has the same engine and is very stylish and cool and is a second car for many discerning car enthusiasts. The Panda 100hp is much more practical than the 500 1.4 with four useable seats for 4 adults, but with a more neutral chassis compared to the 1,4 500 and Abarth versions as concurred by many tests.

[@carsandcustard]

@@cbca6567 Looks are subjective, as you say. I don’t think the panda is particularly stylish but that’s my opinion. It is more practical, of course. I’m not sure what your point is?

[@cbca6567]

@@carsandcustard YEs looks are subjective and I was not enamoured with the pastiche styling of the 500 compared to the original. although the females in our family thought it cute. My point is that not only is the Panda 100hp chassis more neutral than the 500 and better handling as a result but that it is much more practical since the 500 is a 2+2 really and the rear is very tight and claustrophobic; the instrument display in the Panda 100hp is also much clearer and better looking. I do agree the 500 1.416V was the best of the 500 range at the time. We as a family were deciding between the 500 1.416V Sport and the Panda 100hp in period but mostly for practicality and uniqueness the Panda won. The Panda 100hp was developed to be the first Abarth but Fiat scratched that at the last minute.

[@ro62_94]

the Panda 100hp is based on the 169 chassis, the 500 on the 312, more advanced and rigid, and has 4 doors (good for practicality, not for driving)... the 500 has better handling, is more reliable and has more advanced electronics both as Abs/Esp and as engine control unit (which is the Bosch of the Abarth)... aesthetics aside, subjective, the 500 is more modern and technically refined

[@cbca6567]

@@ro62_94 Hmmm the Panda 169 and the 400 1.4 of the same era were built on the "same" platform and the 500 of that time was developed from the 169 with wider front and rear tracks and different rear axle with anto roll bar compared to the normal Panda 169; the Panda 100hp was developed initially as an Abarth and uses the Abarth 1.4 16v without the turbo, but has wider front and rear tracks, stiffer suspension, much wider low profile tyres and stronger suspension pick up points on the chassis. All the auto journalists that tested the 500 and Abarth 595 said from the articles I read, which I agree with, that the Panda 100hp chassis is better in handling neutrality despite the different rear axle on the 500. Regarding the 500 being more modern, looking inside they added leather and different sports seats but the central gearlever/air con controls/window lifters are located in eactly the same place on both models. The instrument binnacles differ, but for me the separate speedo and tachometer and smaller ancillary dials are much clearer amd sportier in the Panda 100hp than the overcomplicated all in one 500/Abarth spedo/rev counter combined.

[@ro62_94]

@@cbca6567 let's talk about nuances, the performance and behavior are very similar, but they are there and many judgments come from the context: the Panda was noticed while the 1.4 on the 500 was mistakenly considered just a different engine on the 500 1.2... the 1.4 has many changes (setup, brakes, equipment, etc.) that Fiat did not underline... however, the 500 was developed on the basis of the 169 platform (internal name Fiat Mini) modified and stiffened on the basis of the experience gained on the Panda in the early years: this platform was called 312 and in the following years also adopted on the third series Panda and, with an extended wheelbase, on the Lancia Y... among the differences there is for example the size of the tracks which on the 100hp is 1378/1368mm and on the 500 1413/1407... always in terms of body the 500 has significantly higher torsional/flexural rigidity values ​​(source Fiat eLearn) as is obvious given the 3d body instead of 5d and with a shorter roof and tapered tail, it is lower than the 100hp (1560 vs 1488mm) and lighter (975 vs 930kg) and has a slightly lower steering gear ratio... still in terms of handling, it is worth considering the presence as standard of a Bosch ESP calibrated very permissive both in stability control and traction control, a system that greatly benefits the 500 on wet surfaces... another note, the first 500s did not use an anti-roll bar at the rear, like the 169s, which made them more agile but created some fears among the core customer base and made Fiat change its mind, which mounted them a few years later (like on the Ka and enlarged on the Abarths from the start)... the footprint of the 500 with 16" rims is 195 like on the 100hp... as for performance, the engines are very similar but on the 500 some minor refinements were made (for example springs valves) and above all the control unit became Bosch 7.9 therefore mappable and much more advanced: the different control units cause slight differences in power delivery and consumption, but they are very small and difficult to perceive... in practice Fiat took the 169 chassis, improved it and made the 312, and then, to make it the top version and positively characterize the 500 at launch, invested a lot in many modifications on the 1.4 compared to the 1.2, knowing that the price would be high but that they would then be used on the first Abarth 135hp (which in fact have a lot in common with the 1.4)... many judge the 1.4 based on the driving of the 1.2, also because there are few 1.4s around, but they are two different cars in many ways... the Panda 100hp was rightly praised but the 500 is the improved refinement not only aesthetically.

[@jeffvaljean6030]

So basically youve got an abarth engine without the turbo ive got an abarth and it suits my purposes perfectly only down side was the security but i fixed that 😮

[@carsandcustard]

Awesome! I had a disklok on mine. Would love another 😅