General Summer is here: 500C 105hp Cult...

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General Summer is here: 500C 105hp Cult...

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Mar 26, 2011
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Hi all,

I've been a happy owner of a Panda 4x4, the 60hp version, since 2011. Its been great and though not many miles covered (35k kms) its been 100% reliable. Totally happy with the Fiat experience and the platform that underpins the KA, 500 et al.

Now I want to change to something else.

I've driven the New Panda 4x4 Twinair (85 hp version) and it was totally different from my old Panda. Much more pick-up, much better Mpgs (despite the bad press. Bear in mind my 1.2 60hp Panda managed ave. 34 mpg over its time with me due to my irregular commute of town driving and then a 60 km sprint down the highway. It was frankly not well suited to this kind of driving. Reminded me of my first car, a 1989 Mini, which was great downhill and a pain uphill...

I've decided to take the plunge for a 500C. For a while I looked at Abarts but honestly they are a bit too loud and a bit too bouncy for my liking. I love driving and the mountain passes near my home would be ideal for a sportier ride, but I also have a highway commute as mentioned and I feel the Abarth would get on my nerves after a while.

I once drove a Panda 1.4 100HP which I loved. I considered this engine in a 500C but the only ones available now are second hand and around the same age or older than my Panda 1.2.

So the current thinking is the 500C with a twinair engine. I could go with the 85hp version and cloth seats: There are a few news ones around in Switzerland (where I live), imported from Austria and Italy, at a very reasonable price (18,000 CHF). New 500Cs with the 1.2 70hp engine and cloth seats retail at around 15,600 CHF for an import model.

What I really want though is the 500C with 105hp engine and leather. I have my eye on a couple at a price slightly more than 1000 CHF over the 85hp version...

Does anyone have a strong view on the 85 twinair vs the 105 twinair...
 
The 105 has four wheel discs and a six speed gearbox. The torque spread isn't as good as the 85, it's a bit heavier, and the turning circle with the six speed is bus-like.
 
the turning circle with the six speed is bus-like.

Doesn't that describe every model of the 500 though? :D

I'd go for the 105bhp model. I'm happy with my 85bhp TwinAir, but if I was buying now I'd go for the newer model. More power in such a small car = more fun :D
 
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I don't know what you're used to if the 5 speed's 9.3 meters is bus like :confused:

10.8m for the six speed :eek: That's bigger than an Iveco Daily van.
 
I don't know what you're used to if the 5 speed's 9.3 meters is bus like :confused:

10.8m for the six speed :eek: That's bigger than an Iveco Daily van.
yeah 1.4 has the bigger turning circle as well. an absolute mess!
 
Thanks all for the responses. Very helpful.

I've asked for a quote from a dealer who can import a car from Germany for me:
500C Cult; TA105; electroclash grey, black leather with red inserts; navi and blue&me

Lets see. Doubt I will get much for the Panda so will have to take what i can get.

Has anyone of you seen a decent 500C roofrack?
 
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