We drove an 8v 1.4 Easy/Brio when looking. I actually thought it felt a bit sharper off the mark from standstill, probably as the 8v produces its torque slightly lower down than the 16v. Very robust well proven engines, the Multiair is anyway the same bottom end as the 8v.
Ours will spend a lot of time running around town rather than distance so ultimate bhp and speed are not really an issue.
You get good value from the Punto's in my view as they aren't carrying the 'fashion' premiums that 500's do.
More car for your money.