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

[@fnunnari]

I have one, and I confirm it is a jewel. I drove tens of rented cars, from different brands and categories, including BMWs and Mercedes, but none were as fun as the 100HP. Push the Sport button, rev up over 3000 rpm, and a smile will materialise on your face :-)

[@abath3493]

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

[@johnwalton9009]

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

[@stopmotion3468]

I love how you took your time to explain everything

[@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.

[@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.

[@pdarmstrong291]

About 2 years ago, I was lucky enough to be given a 2010 500C 1.4 16V with only 23,000 miles on the clock. It had a few little scratches and dents, but nothing serious. I drove the car from London down to Lisbon via Santander and then shipped it to Madeira, where I live now. Car repairs are really cheap here as compared to the U.K., so I had the car repaired and re sprayed for 500 Euros, and it looks absolutely fabulous now. Like you, I love driving this little car around the island, with its winding roads, steep hills and mountains and it takes them all in its stride, plus it’s so easy to park, especially in the supermarket underground car parks. I’ve now increased the mileage to around 32,000 miles and feels as if the car has just been run in - it’s just so smooth now. Great little car 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🤷‍♂️

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 👍🏼😎👌🏼

[@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.

[@josephgalant]

my 2012 revs to 6000 all day long between shifting the automatic in manual mode. plus a aftermarket pedal control makes it very fun to fly around.

[@DavidBridgewaters]

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

[@adampage9345]

Bellissimo !! Great review Harry 👍

[@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 👌🏻

[@agustincuevae]

Best fiat 500c 1.4 video ever 💯🏁🙌🏼

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@AuroraRyder]

bought one for my son yesterday (first acr and I wasn't letting him near my diesel 500 Lounge) and I have to say I'm impressed. Better than my Lounge esp the 6-speed revvy 1.4L

[@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 👍

[@AgedYoungster]

I am on my second 1.2 and love them. I am happy enough with the performance but do occasionally feel it could do with a 1.4 or 1.5 engine, particularly on any of the long draggy hills we have so many of around here. I had no idea there actually was one !!! I suspect they have been off the range for a while now, but I am content with my 54 mpg (2017) 1.2. The Fiat 500 is a much under-rated car, and I get quite irritated at the numerous jibes I suffer, but I am just happy to own one. Thanks for the Vid !!

[@juliemclaughlin68]

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

[@GustavoSilva-ij6vi]

Oh man, probably your video just sold me one 😅. I just found one in the internet with a good price but high mileage. I will check it this week…. cheers 💪🤗

[@oddities-whatnot]

I had the twinair 105 version. Ive also had two new Abarths, in 2012 and 2015. The later version is one of the best cars ive owned.

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@jeffvaljean6030]

I've had corsas fiestas and other small cars then I bought an arbarth 500 and ive never looked back its suited my needs perfectly and it holds its own on the motorway 😊

[@raymondmumford6255]

Love these little things ❤

[@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…

[@stratrovarius]

This was a very useful video. Thank you.

[@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

[@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 😅

[@aleksandarkrgovic8872]

My man i hardly understand your English