- Joined
- Mar 26, 2011
- Messages
- 15
- Points
- 8
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...
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...