(G) 1st thoughts on our 1st week with the 500

I just thought I would tell people looking into fiat 500 ownership what I think now we have had the Mrs car for almost a week.

We traded in my impreza for this little 500 1.4 sport for my Mrs.

I was expecting to actually really miss the impreza but you know what I haven't even thought about it until now while I write this.

The little 500 has been receiving lots of attention from everywhere it goes which is very amusing.

There are a few things about it that bug me though.

Firstly one of the air vents was broken when we first picked the car up.

Secondly I'm finding myself constantly comparing it to our panda 100hp. (sad I know)

But the worst complaint I have is that the Mrs doesn't lets me drive it much, so very frustrating.

There are a few things I'd like to point out that I have noticed between the 100hp and the 500sport If anyone is interested.
Some good and not quite as good bits on both...


1. The 500 feels bigger than the panda when your are inside, the same can be said in the back with our child seats in, there seems to be more leg room for the kids in the 500, weird one that...

2. The 500 doesn't feel as well screwed together as the panda, there are a few areas where it also feels cheaper materials are used despite the car costing a great deal more. (could be me though)

3. Then we have the sport button. On the panda you can clearly notice the response when it is pressed but the 500 I find myself looking on the dashboard to see if it is actually switched on.

4. The 100hp panda is quicker or at least feels a good deal faster.
I know that the panda is approaching 14,000 miles now where as the 500 has barely touched 200 miles.

5. I love the red leather seats in the 500 and wish they were in the panda but they don't offer the same amount of support as the seats in our little panda.

6. The ride is more comfortable in the 500 though, we don't find ourselves bouncing as much as we do in the panda.

7. Have you seen the parcel shelf in the 500, I can't see the point of having it there it's that small.

8. The 500 is a lot quieter too compared to the panda, but then we do have an induction kit on our 100hp so I guess it would do.

9. The 500 gets a locking petrol cap where as our 100hp don't.

10. I've noticed also since inheriting the panda 100hp.
Other motorists tend to pull out in front of you more if you have a little car. This is something I'm going to find hard getting used to as I treat everyone with the same respect whether a small or big car.

So to some up for me I love both these cars but I still would find myself looking for the 500 keys, "when I'm aloud to drive it that is."

There are probably other things I have missed out but that's the story so far.

Its to put your biro on

I notice a big difference with the throttle with the button switched on, the throttle seems lazy without it. I guess the Panda is bigger difference?

It stops people being able to peer in and see what is in the boot I suppose.

An interesting comparison between both cars.

Having driven both and put my lot in with the 100HP (although I wouldn't mind having a 500 1.2 for commuting to work and the 100hp for weekends) I agree with all the points you make apart from the build quality. I think the finish on the 500 is up to scratch, the only thing really missing is a full size glovebox and perhaps a better quality passenger side fascia. Oh and the gear knob is too big.

I only switched on the sport button on my 100hp for the first time yesterday and it was likke driving a different car! I find the standard steering on the 100hp too assisted but on the 500 it is just right and I too didn't notice much difference with the sport button on on 500.

The 100hp also feels faster and noisier, partly due to the engine and partly due to the lower profile, wider tyres. It also begs to be driven quickly whereas the 500 is more civilised.

The 500 has a more comfortable ride but doesn't inspire you to push hard on corners like the 100hp due to slightly more body roll and less grip.

You didn't mention the brakes, they are fantastic on both but perhaps could be a little more progressive.

Filler cap lock is a move in the right direction but the 500 instrument panel is a nightmare of hard to read lights and concentric dials, I find the 100hp more practical when wanting to see at a glance speed and RPMs.

Perhaps you could compare the fuel consumption of both and let us know if there is any difference?

what boot

you never seen 500 boots? click this

i thought a locking fuel cap / flap was an m,o,t requirement

i have got wise to your trick links Dave

Nah it just has to have a decent seal.

hi again,
in reply about the brakes i have to admit the panda brakes are not as sharp initially compared to the 500.
that said the panda has done 14,000 miles now so it's well run in by now.

my comments on the build quality is because the 500 of ours has a couple of problems, one being the air vents in the centre of the dash is broken and the there are areas where the trim looks like it has been rushed because it's not quite fitting right (if you know what i meen)

the panda hasn't had any of these issues.

on a different note,
we have only had this little 500 a weak and now some bloke in a bmw drove in to the back of it.
it's only srcatched the bumper but the mrs is quite devastated.

the sport button in the panda tends to bring the boy racer out in me, it's so addictive, does anyone else get that.

It is amazing you ask... You have just traded in an Impreza. I have a 200bhp A3 DSG (same engine as the Golf GTI) having previously had a V6 Alfa 156 and a GTV before that. My wife now has a 500 1.4 Sport.

...and yes it does

I think Fiat have found a formula for reverting back to days when cars felt quick but compared to today were quite slow.

20 odd years ago I had Talbot Sunbeam Ti - rally homologation special - twin weber 40s - 19mpg, 100bhp, 0-60 9.9 seconds. It felt a reasonably quick car, hardly by todays standards!

Where do you go from an Impreza to get similar or more thrills - another 50bhp?

My Audi does 0-60 in 6.9 seconds and sounds pretty good doing it, but it needs that full throttle rush to feel and sound good. The Fiat manages to do it pretty much all of the time (and of course it can be on full throttle a lot more of the time!)

Now the performance won't have petrolheads in awe but then again I thought I was one

Cheers
Baldrick

Would this one be suitable?

http://members.iinet.net.au/~fenix19...trol%20cap.jpg

Isn't a trick one, it just doesn't work!

Michael

Totally get that, makes such a difference to the feel though prob not actual any real difference. They should rename it the 'fun' button

works for me