General Bravo or Punto?

[canon]

I've been thinking of moving back to Fiat - have a Focus Zetec at the moment..insurance getting pricey, so has to go, although I'm stumped whether to buy a Bravo or Punto Sporting. Budget is around €2700, and I've found a tidy 2001 Bravo 80 for €2500 and a 2002 Punto Sporting for similar money. Both unmolested, very original and sub 70k miles.

I'm used to driving the Focus, which the Bravo is similar in size, but as I'll be doing more City driving I thought the Punto would be the better option for parking. Had Punto's before (still have a Mk1) and like the handling (and City button!). Just think they're a bit gutless on motorways. I like the look of the Bravo (especially with Abarth bodykit :yum, and think they can hold their own on the motorway.

Any opinions welcome. :slayer:

 

[bridges]

A 1.2 bravo and 1.2 Punto mk2 both have the same 80bhp engine in 16v format.

I think the Punto sporting also has a 6speed box, so will possibly be even better on motorways. added with its marginal weight advantage the punto should be the faster and more economical.

 

[jug]

my girlfriend has a mk2 punto sporting. its faster than a 1.2 bravo, and uses less fuel, and it can happily cruise at 120mph. even at 100mph it still gets me 45mpg. its very capable on a motorway.

a punto sporting is also a much nicer spec than any 1.2 bravo. you get loads of nice bits on the sporting. the 6 speed box really helps, and the leather steering wheel / gearknob with sports seats help to give it a more special feel.

punto is more likely to throw expensive faults at you, like electric steering failure and wiper linkage failure. the bravo's faults may be more numerous but they are generally much cheaper and easier to fix. any 1.2 fiat is prone to head gasket failure.

overall i think the bravo is a better car than the mk2 punto, but i think a mk2 punto sporting is better than a 1.2 bravo.

 

[canon]

Thanks for the replies, I've since had a drive in a 'real' Sporting, and I must say it handled much differently then the last one I drove - which I believe could have been an Active Sport, as the trim level wasn't as high and it generally wasn't as responsive.

Found the one I drove to pull well, and handle really well. Owner had done some subtle modifications - lowered, induction kit, larger lower profile wheels and tyres. Fell in love with it, and mate told me he'll be selling it shortly as he's buying a new GP :yum:

Still like the Bravo though, but if I had my head screwed on, I'd be better off with the Punto - more desirable when I come to sell, possibly cheaper insurance, and they are lighter and more efficient.

Will have to ponder this for a while, but in the meantime I've got my Mk1 back on the road - bog standard 5-door 55sx :slayer:

 

[klemster]

Thanks for the replies, I've since had a drive in a 'real' Sporting, and I must say it handled much differently then the last one I drove - which I believe could have been an Active Sport, as the trim level wasn't as high and it generally wasn't as responsive.

Found the one I drove to pull well, and handle really well. Owner had done some subtle modifications - lowered, induction kit, larger lower profile wheels and tyres. Fell in love with it, and mate told me he'll be selling it shortly as he's buying a new GP :yum:

Still like the Bravo though, but if I had my head screwed on, I'd be better off with the Punto - more desirable when I come to sell, possibly cheaper insurance, and they are lighter and more efficient.

Will have to ponder this for a while, but in the meantime I've got my Mk1 back on the road - bog standard 5-door 55sx :slayer:

all I can do is show you mine..... :slayer: