Abarth 500 Vs 595: Which Fires Faster Off The Line?
The Abarth 595 outperforms the standard Abarth 500 in acceleration, top speed, and power delivery, thanks to its upgraded 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing up to 180 hp compared to the 500's base 135-160 hp, with 0-60 mph times dropping from 7.8 seconds to as low as 6.7 seconds in Competizione trim.
Model Origins
The Abarth 500 launched in 2008 as a high-performance variant of the iconic Fiat 500, revitalizing the Abarth brand founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949. It featured a tuned 1.4-liter T-Jet engine initially delivering 135 hp, aimed at urban hot hatch enthusiasts seeking scorpion-badged thrills.
By 2012, the 595 series emerged as an evolution, named after the car's 595 cm³ increased wheelbase metric but signaling broader upgrades including stiffer suspension and enhanced brakes. The 595 lineup expanded with trims like Turismo and Competizione, cementing Abarth's reputation for iterative performance boosts.
Engine Specs
- Abarth 500 base: 1.4L turbo petrol, 135 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 206 Nm torque, inline-4 with 4 valves per cylinder.
- Abarth 595 Turismo: 1.4L turbo, 163 hp (up from earlier 145 hp), same 206 Nm but with improved turbo mapping for mid-range punch.
- Abarth 595 Competizione: Peaks at 180 hp, 250 Nm torque via recalibrated ECU and larger intercooler, introduced in 2016.
- Both share a 5-speed manual or optional automated manual gearbox, front-wheel drive with no LSD in base models.
Performance Data
| Metric | Abarth 500 (Base) | Abarth 595 Turismo | Abarth 595 Competizione |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 135-160 | 163 | 180 |
| Torque (Nm) | 206 | 206 | 250 |
| 0-100 km/h (s) | 7.8 | 7.2 | 6.7 |
| Top Speed (km/h) | 205 | 210 | 225 |
| Weight (kg) | 1035 | 1045 | 1095 |
| Fuel Economy (l/100km combined) | 6.0 | 5.8 | 6.2 |
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | 139 | 134 | 145 |
This table highlights the 595's edge in raw metrics, with the Competizione's extra torque enabling superior in-gear acceleration, vital for twisty B-roads.
Handling Dynamics
- Base Abarth 500 employs MacPherson struts and torsion beam rear, tuned for agile city handling but softer compliance over bumps.
- 595 upgrades include Koni dampers (Competizione) and 17-inch alloys with stickier Pirelli P-Zero tires, reducing body roll by 15% per Abarth's 2016 testing.
- Power steering calibration sharpens turn-in on 595, though electronic aids can numb feedback versus hydraulic setups in older 500s.
- Track-focused 695 variants add limited-slip diffs, but standard 595s rely on traction control for launches.
Real-World Tests
In a 2016 PistonHeads review dated October 4, the 595 Competizione clocked 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds against a Fiesta ST, praising its "razor-sharp chassis" despite front-drive torque steer.
"The 130PS base Abarth 500 feels quick, but the 595 felt FAST," noted a FiatForum user after back-to-back drives in 2009, highlighting the 595's superior powertrain refinement.
Top Gear's 2023 update on the 595 noted its 163 hp feels "energetic" for £23,225 base price, though aging chassis trails newer rivals like Mini JCW.
Price History
Launched at €17,900 in 2008, the Abarth 500 base hit £13,000 used by 2012. The 595 debuted at £18,000 for Turismo in Europe, with 2023 UK pricing at £23,225-£2,500 more for convertibles.
In May 2026, used 595 Competizione examples from 2016-2020 fetch £15,000-£20,000, valuing the limited-run status post-Abarth's 2025 electric shift.
Historical Context
Carlo Abarth's tuner legacy peaked with Fiat ties in the 1960s, birthing 695-record cars. The modern 500/595 revival, announced March 8, 2007, sold over 100,000 units by 2020, per Abarth archives.
Key milestone: 2017 power bump to 145 hp base aligned US 160 hp spec with Euro 595 Turismo, bridging markets.
Owner Experiences
- "From 135bhp 500 to 180bhp 595 Competizione, acceleration and power delivery transform the drive," shared a Reddit user in 2019.
- CarThrottle's 2016 week-long test lauded the 595's "riotous" exhaust note outweighing firm ride on UK potholes.
- FiatForum 2009 post: 595's stiffer setup transmits "every surface imperfection" versus forgiving 500.
Modifications Guide
- Install Monza exhaust (+10 hp, €1,200) for signature rasp, standard on Competizione.
- EsseEsse kit (160 hp) fits both, adding suspension for £3,000 since 2012.
- Brembo brakes from 695 (€2,500) halve 100-0 km/h stopping to 34 meters.
- Remap ECU safely to 200 hp, but dyno-test to avoid warranty voids.
Track Performance
At Bedford Autodrome in 2016, the 595 Competizione lapped 1.2 seconds quicker than base 500, thanks to 17-inch wheels and recalibrated ESC.
Owners report 595's 250 Nm excels in hairpins, though tire wear doubles versus stock 500's softer rubber.
Buying Advice
Target 2017+ 595 Turismo for digital dash and 163 hp at £14,000 used. Inspect turbo lag and clutch wear-common at 80,000 km.
Avoid pre-2012 500s without service history; prioritize models with Abarth record silencer for authenticity.
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Expert answers to Abarth 500 Vs 595 Which Fires Faster Off The Line queries
Which is faster in a straight line?
The 595 Competizione wins with 6.7-second 0-100 km/h versus the 500's 7.8 seconds, per Automaniac specs from 2016 models; real-world gaps narrow on automatics.
Is the 595 worth the upgrade?
Yes for enthusiasts, as its 180 hp and Monza exhaust deliver addictive character; base 500 suffices for casual fun at lower cost, per Reddit owners in 2024.
What about fuel economy?
Both average 6 l/100km combined, but 595's thirstier urban 7.9 l/100km reflects higher power; highway efficiency ties at 4.9 l/100km.
Are parts interchangeable?
Core engine and chassis share 80% commonality, easing upgrades like EsseEsse kits that boost 500 to 160 hp matching early 595s.
Best for daily driving?
The base Abarth 500 balances fun and comfort with lighter weight and compliant ride, ideal for Amsterdam's cobbles; 595 suits weekends.
How reliable are they?
Both score 4/5 on Honest John since 2008, with turbo issues post-100,000 km mitigated by 2020 updates; chain-driven engines outlast belts.
Electric transition impact?
Abarth's 500e (2025) ends petrol era, boosting used 595 values 20% in 2026 per AutoTrader trends.