I have become totally smitten by the Fiat Abarth (Ah-bart). Will this be the next SRT-4?

At $22,500 it is certainly well equipped for the money, and, it still gets respectable MPG. If Mopar produces some nice staged upgrades like they did for the SRT-4, I think the Abarth stands a good chance of becoming a pocket-rocket cult classic in short order.

Anybody know anyone that has one of these?

I believe that Evom member tcarretti has sold his EVO and bought an Abarth, as I've seen his posts on the Fiat forum. Anyone else considering one of these?

I'm always hesitant to buy something new. I think I'll watch this model for a few months and see how well received it is in the aftermarket. Right now the only mod available is a boost controller; but, so far no one has tapped into the ECU, that I'm aware of. I'd be hesitant to turn up the boost w/o having control of timing and fuel. Hopefully that will come.

 

A coworker of mine up in Minnesota picked one up for his DD, seems very happy with it. My understanding is that the entire allotment for this MY is sold out so if you want one you'll have to wait for the next model.

I'm sure the aftermarket support will be exemplary considering this has been a popular car over in Europe for a few years now. Just a matter of importing their goods over here.

Now, regarding the SRT-4 comment - no, I don't think it'll be it. First off, because there will be a Dart SRT-4. Also, you have the Mazdaspeed3 and Focus ST coming to the table with better performance. Abarth 500 is too small to pull the same crowd that the SRT-4 did. If Fiat gets their production numbers up I could see them taking business from Mini. In the world of tiny cars the Abarth is king but it's not fair to compare it to larger compacts.

Ask me again if/when the US gets the proper full-power version

 

Thought about it for a minute - I think it's more accurate to compare it to the old EG/EK Civic Si hatches. Nice tiny hatch with a decent amount of power for its weight and a lot of handling potential.

 

At best... It's a chuckable commuter. The SRT-4 had the capability of pretending to be a family car and as such allowed dads to be (ie husbands) to buy a frivilous yet goal meeting automobile. *I smile at my Evo and thank her for the rear doors and backseat legroom w/ latch system* Dodge is an American icon. Fiat is an upward trend. No matter my opinion on this auto it will never be embraced as well as the 'merican dodge. A cult classic?... Yes, but one look at the "back seat" and comically huge spedo and you will forever associate it with 2012. Dated already? I however did entertain the thought of owning one to the point of sitting in the driver seat and hearing that excellent exhaust note only to realize that it met none of my needs future or present.

 

Curb Weights
Dodge Neon = 2,300 lbs
Fiat 500 = 2,363 lbs
Dodge Dart = 3,200 lbs

These are weights of base models compared to base models, since there is no Dart SRT-4 to do an SRT-4 to SRT-4 to Abarth weight comparo.

It appears to me that the Dart SRT-4 will NOT be the light weight pocket rocket that was the Neon SRT-4.

 

I certainly can agree on the comparo between Fiat 500 and Mini, which drives home the value of the Abarth.

Abarth = $22,500
Cooper S = $24,000

 

The SRT-4 was built from the second generation Neon and was a 4 door which was much heavier. The base model (no options) was 2600 lbs. SRT-4 was 2900, comparable to the weight of an equally equipped Neon (power windows, locks, etc). You're not going to see a modern car of comparable size sit below 3000 lbs anytime soon. I don't expect that a Dart SRT-4 will weigh any more than a mid-range Dart.

 

The Dodge Neon SRT4 did the 60 dash in the mid 5 second range - which was incredibly fast for it's time and price. The Abarth does it over 7 seconds which is about the same as modern V6 family sedans.

That said the Abarth does have a cool factor, but I agree with others that it might just be a trendy thing and not have the actual substance behind the package to back it up. Numb steering, high SUV-like seating position, average feeling gearbox. It's not really a driver's car the way the SRT4 or Mini Cooper are.

 

Jim,

the Abarths can't match the SRT-4. The advantage on displacemnet alone will put the SRT-4 in a whole different category.

The Fiat has much tougher competition like the Veloster and for the price you have real killers like the Mazdaspeed 3 or the new Focus ST(all withing a small margin in price), you can also throw the GTI or the Cobalt Turbo SS.

The Fiat is for someone to drive on the strip in Malibu , Hollywood or Vegas strip but far from challenging well stablished FWD cars. In my unique way of saying things, this is how I would it: Fiat is bringing a knive to a gunfight!

Carlos

 

Hmm, interesting discussion. I do see the Abarth's occasionally, but not like I see SRT4's... or at least like I used to see them. There is a Fiat dealership nearby in Tampa.

I actually thought this thread was going to go a different direction. I was expecting it to be something along the lines of the Abarth's driving around with really loud BOV's and trying to race at every stop light like the SRT4's do.

IMO, I had an SRT4 for 2 years and thought it was a one trick pony. I would gladly sacrifice a little speed for a little bit better of everything else. The MS3 is the best all around FWD package in my opinion available right now. That may change with the FST.

 

The MS3 is a good performer, but a bit of a gas hog.

MS3 2.3L 4-cyl MPG = 18/25 city/road

Focus ST 2.0L 4-cyl MPG = 23/32 city/road

Corvette 6.2L V-8 MPG = 16/26 city/road

I will be very interested to see what the proposed Mazdaspeed2 will be like.

 

I have always liked the Mini, but they seem to be over priced, IMO. For the cost of the new Abarth, I would have to settle for a used 2009-2010 Mini S with 15-25K miles.

 

MS3's economy numbers (and possibly its power numbers) will improve if/when Mazda gives it a SkyActiv engine. ST is able to get such good MPG because of its direct injection.

 

Totally spot on. SRT-4 will be applied to the Dart. The media, both on the internet and magazines has covered this somewhat. The Abarth 500 may get a bump in power to better compete with the Mini Cooper. As you said, the Dart and Abarth are very different in size and market. The Dart will appeal more to Americans who yearn for another SRT-4. The car is more substantial [and heavier] to compete with the MS3 and Focus ST as well as the GTi and Hyundai Veloster Turbo.

 

i definetly don't see it becoming like an srt-4 neon, matter of fact i haven't even seen any in my area. i feel the Abarth is a nice looking car, and its starting to have a cult following here in the U.S . i feel its just a leading competitor to the Mini cooper. other then that i don't see it becoming big in the tuner scene, its just novelty car..