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What do you think of the Abarth? I keep having ideas of buying one as a fun daily that I could also use on track from time to time. Fun & affordable hot hatches aren't too plentiful here in Canada and used 500 1.4t's here (which seem to be a similar spec to standard UK Abarths) seem surprisingly cheap.
ricky2slicky-
Fun but flawed, but that's what I'm trying to address. Main thing is that I always look forward to driving it. I wanted a car that was small and rareish [subjective on whether you see it as a Fiat or Abarth], 4 seats, could fit a bike inside, cheapish to buy/run and turbocharged. It's met that criteria. Was a logical step up from my Panda 100hp, the only issue with that was lack of power. Biggest issues is numb turn in and steering feel compared to my benchmark FWD cars - Panda, Ford Puma, Citroen AX GT. Crashy ride, replacing the rear bump stops is supposed to improve this but it's not been the change I hoped, hence I'm fitting the Koni shocks. Also gearchange is vague, again the quickshift should mostly sort this. I've also had quality issues, door handle fell off (common) and body to boot wire harness damage (also common!). However the power is always a hoot and cheap to increase (20% for £275 remap). Exhaust is fruity and you get the odd pop and bang.
efb
Going for max power points on my Abarth 500. Remap to 160bhp, Koni FSDs and springs, shortened gear throw, should hopefully make it the car it should have been, although lack of power is not really it's weak point, it's cheap and fun to do.