cryptixabarth said:

Is the Panda 100 HP drive by wire, because im sure I saw in like car mechanics magazine that the was a device that could be fitted to enhance the signal of the throttle being pressed.

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Yes, you can buy boxes that make the pedal response different, but it won't change how the pedal physically feels, which is what plug refers to. TMC make the "Pedal Power" box.

Plug said:

I'm still experimenting with the Sport button.. neither setting is ideal. With sport mode on, it's too easy to get the car to kangaroo on a light throttle setting in 2nd.. ooh, just what you might need in town traffic. It needs mechanical damping..

Otherwise, in normal mode, it doesn't go anywhere unless you mash the pedal.

I find the steering's much too light in normal mode.. Mrs Plug likes it that way but I prefer more feedback and it just doesn't deliver.. at least it's a little better in Sport with less assistance.

And although it's much nipper than the old Parade, I find myself wishing it had a 150HP badge on the back . How much can you get from a remap? Not 50HP, I'll bet..

Cheers,

Plug

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Fascinating isn't it? You go from a classic to a more powerful, luxury, easier to drive car, but the absolute basics of driving pleasure, feedback and confidence are missing. You've basically described problems with application and feedback of all the controls! I couldn't agree more either, having done the same upgrade at xmas. I kept the old one though and it now feels very quick when I drive it on the weekends!

Funny how slow the 100HP is in real driving situations. You notice the extra weight for sure. You've had the car such a short time and already want more power, yet have already upgraded in power-to-weight significantly from the classic. I think the suspension and the character of the car do make you feel like it should have a 50% power increase! I'm planning to put a T-Jet in mine, which is the only way to realistically get that 50% increase you want!

I agree that less assistance seems better on the steering, but you still don't have any real feel if you do decide to go near the limit of grip.

All these things are normal modern car complaints I suppose, as opposed to any significant issues with FIATs or the Panda.

lewey said:

Fascinating isn't it? You go from a classic to a more powerful, luxury, easier to drive car, but the absolute basics of driving pleasure, feedback and confidence are missing. You've basically described problems with application and feedback of all the controls! I couldn't agree more either, having done the same upgrade at xmas. I kept the old one though and it now feels very quick when I drive it on the weekends!

Funny how slow the 100HP is in real driving situations. You notice the extra weight for sure. You've had the car such a short time and already want more power, yet have already upgraded in power-to-weight significantly from the classic. I think the suspension and the character of the car do make you feel like it should have a 50% power increase! I'm planning to put a T-Jet in mine, which is the only way to realistically get that 50% increase you want!

I agree that less assistance seems better on the steering, but you still don't have any real feel if you do decide to go near the limit of grip.

All these things are normal modern car complaints I suppose, as opposed to any significant issues with FIATs or the Panda.

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The old Parade was slow, absolutely slow, but with 45 BHP at its disposal it was never going to feel anything other than that, even though it only had 700KG to push along. But you set your mind accordingly and I always got out of that car with a smile on my face.

The 100HP is obviously better in terms of power/weight ratio - let's call it a round 100 BHP/tonne as opposed to 65 in the old Panda. But it could easily handle more - which is why I already think it's a bit weedy, certainly compared to the others in the fleet. The Barchetta has around 130 BHP/tonne, the Scooby around 170 and the Merc around 250.. .

The problem is the pedals in the others are nicely balanced (OK, the Merc is automatic so there's only 2 of them) but I can't get my head around what they've done with the 100HP. The clutch is OK (if a bit light), the throttle is much too light and the brakes are way too sharp. I took the Subaru out today and nearly drove into the back of someone when I tickled the middle pedal in a 100HP stylie..

I'll get used to it, I'm sure, as I jump from car to car all the time. Mrs. Plug will get used to it as she only drives the one (although she is making noises about getting behind the wheel of the Barchetta when it comes out of hibernation), but it does seem that Fiat screwed up with the 100HP's controls.. if they'd got it right it would be such a sweet driving thing I could even forgive it the lack of its rightful 150HP..

Cheers,

Plug

Well, I think you pretty much have the car summed up to me. It will now be interesting to see how the ride wears on you!

I'm hoping I will lose a little sensitivity in my brake pedal by fitting larger ones!

Shouldn't Italian cars be red?

trackdayqueen said:

Shouldn't Italian cars be red?

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Yer what sort of idiot buys a grey italian car :shrug:

trackdayqueen said:

Shouldn't Italian cars be red?

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Already got a red one..



Cheers,

Plug

Black is clearly the best colour :slayer:, as it's colour coded to the side-skirts, rear diffuser, grill etc.

I love the blue and white, athough the white makes the 100hp look like a van

It may skip over bumps, not have a huge amount of power or be that comfortable, but for the price it gives me a huge smile every day!!

Pete

Pocket R0cket said:

Black is clearly the best colour :slayer:, as it's colour coded to the side-skirts, rear diffuser, grill etc.

I love the blue and white, athough the white makes the 100hp look like a van

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Agreed. I'm after a black one, or 2nd choice grey... I like blue and white tho, but i'm not a red kinda guy, although they look good.... damnit, I just want a 100HP!!! *searches internet* lol