Hi, my name is Ulises
I am very new to the forum this is actually my first post. I became a fan of Fiats the day I saw they were released again here in the states. Since then I have contemplated on getting a new one. I've let the years go buy and I have finally decided this is the year I get one and I was almost sold on the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth but then I stumbled upon a 1973 Fiat 500. So I guess my question is which would be better. I got a daughter that should be here within the day so it will be a family vehicle. I don't know much about these cars but am going to school to become a mechanic so I need advice on what would be the best option

I'd be inclined if it'll be a daily runner to go for a newer one. For weekend/fun/shows I'd say the old one.

But that's just me!

We have two different beasts here:

A 1973 Fiat 500 vs a 2015 500 Abarth

I'll add here as you are training to be a mechanic the 1973 500 will be a thoroughly good grounding in all the basic of vehicle mechanics and operation that are lost/absent form many modern technicians tool kits. Wit the 1973 500 you have to really understand and know how she ticks, how to make sure she ticks OK and not rely on computers and advanced diagnostic kit.

The two cars are chalk and cheese apart from their Fiat styling and DNA etc.

If we ignore space, performance & similar types of comparisons then we can come down to maintainability, parts availability and parts cost.

The 1973 500 is low tech, millions were made and I believe there is still a very healthy supply of parts from numerous vendors world wide. The later 2015 500 Abarth if out of warranty may have good parts supply but these could be expensive especially if we are talking about electronic control units, etc.

Another point to consider is emissions. In the US I gather these can be quite a complex issue so a 1973 500 Fiat could fall fowl of certain State regulations. I would like to think that in the US Classic Vehicles are governed by rules applicable to their heritage/era and not subjected to more modern standards. You might like to thoroughly check these out for yourself. e.g. while an older Fiat may be OK in one or more US states there may also be city limits to consider.

You can go and check at Varissa for more options. There you can get a better clarity.