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KozmoNaut posted:And yes, lording over Smarts, Yarises, Altos, Twingos, Lupos and so on is even more fun than you'd think. You're like the big kid in the sandbox. You know, the kid who had to take 1st grade over again because he's a bit slow, but he sure as hell can beat everyone else up. 
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Apr 26, 2011 11:23
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InitialDave posted:He still knows not to try it on with his older brother, though. Nah, his older brother is cool. The problem is that all of the bigger kids are jerks.
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Apr 26, 2011 11:35
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The Yaris is a bigger kid too, at least the US spec ones are.
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Apr 26, 2011 12:00
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dissss posted:The Yaris is a bigger kid too, at least the US spec ones are. That's because you fatty fatty Americans mostly buy the sedan  You sit higher up in the Panda and if riding a motorcycle has taught me anything, it's that being taller=better.
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Apr 26, 2011 12:29
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KozmoNaut posted:That's because you fatty fatty Americans mostly buy the sedan Watch you you're calling an American :p What a lot of people in North America don't realise is the Yaris is actually two rungs up from the bottom of the Toyota UK range size wise.
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Apr 26, 2011 12:58
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dissss posted:What a lot of people in North America don't realise is the Yaris is actually two rungs up from the bottom of the Toyota UK range size wise. Same as here, I look down on both iQs and Aygos (+107s/C1s) with great enthusiasm
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Apr 26, 2011 13:16
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The Panda 4x4 is exactly the vehicle I'd want to see here. Even if it wears Jeep badging.
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Apr 26, 2011 15:53
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So I test drove one of these toady and was quite impressed for what it was, decent power to get moving and a surprising amount of room for the front passengers considering that I'm 6'6" and 330lbs and I believe that this might be my commuter car in the next few months. Just no sun roof so I can fit. The clutch felt weird to me (super light) but I have been driving nothing but stout aftermarket clutches for the last 2 years and a 6 speed dodge 3500 diesel the last month, so that is probably why.
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Apr 30, 2011 04:18
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The clutch is extremely light and has a wide engagement point, it's extremely easy to modulate. My ex-gf jumped right in and drove off with no problems at all, even though it'd been like two years since she last drove. How is the brake pedal on the US 500s? In my Panda it's got pretty long travel and you have to press the pedal a fair amount to get semi-hard braking. Very unlike the Opel I test drove where even looking at the pedal would send you into the windshield, it was ridiculously overboosted.
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Apr 30, 2011 07:47
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So it looks like the USDM Abarth will actually be somewhat uprated compared to the EU version. http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/11/2012-fiat-500-abarth-quick-spin-review/
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May 11, 2011 22:47
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Throatwarbler posted:So it looks like the USDM Abarth will actually be somewhat uprated compared to the EU version. This article is confusing the living poo poo out of me. From the headline "Not Exactly Like America's Abarth – Ours Will Be Better" one would be led to believe they are talking about the EU spec Abarth, but then they keep jumping back and forth between "our Abarth" and EU/NAFTA spec. Don't these fuckers have editors? That said,  
heat fucked around with this message at 23:20 on May 11, 2011 |
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May 11, 2011 23:18
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Throatwarbler posted:So it looks like the USDM Abarth will actually be somewhat uprated compared to the EU version. You left out the important part: quote:U.S.-spec 500 Abarth will ride over a superior rear axle design based on the one developed for the so-called NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) 500 and run with a more powerful turbo engine featuring Fiat's Multiair valvetrain. If they are correct, that is a 42hp increase compared to the EU abarth, and a 12hp jump over the abarth esseesse.
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May 11, 2011 23:53
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I *really* hope you can get the car with that paint scheme.
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May 12, 2011 02:18
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oRenj9 posted:I *really* hope you can get the car with that paint scheme. That's funny, we were just hoping it was optional at most 
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May 12, 2011 03:01
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I just want the scorpion on the hood.
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May 12, 2011 03:15
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Personally I like just the scorpion badge on the hood and tail. I'm sure they'll have graphics options though.
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May 12, 2011 03:16
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Why does the tire track disappear inside the curve of the scorpion's tail?
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May 12, 2011 03:20
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VideoTapir posted:Why does the tire track disappear inside the curve of the scorpion's tail? Cause u stop n ur tracks when u c the STINGA bro.
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May 12, 2011 03:45
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Mr. Wiggles posted:The Panda 4x4 is exactly the vehicle I'd want to see here. Even if it wears Jeep badging. Its going too, don't you worry. Might even still be called a "Compass"
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May 12, 2011 16:46
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Mighty Horse posted:Its going too, don't you worry. That makes me actually want a Compass.
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May 12, 2011 20:57
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For anyone who's interested, I started a blog about the Fiat 500 Abarth in the US. For right now, mostly just covering speculation about when and how much horsepower, plus random posts about whatever I think is related. Criticisms, suggestions, etc. are welcome. http://www.fiat500abarth.us
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Jun 26, 2011 15:42
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Rosenthal just did a very good review of the US Fiat 500 (And 500c) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCDY6-zb6yw
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Jul 2, 2011 15:36
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Lilleput posted:Rosenthal just did a very good review of the US Fiat 500 (And 500c) That's a very good review, they got to the core of the matter, that the 500 isn't about performance, absolute luxury or macho attitude, it's just a fun little lifestyle car. Sergio Machionne said "I want Fiat to become the Apple of the car world and the 500 to be our iPod” and I think they're pretty well on their way. You get more bang for your buck other places, "but it's SOOOOO CUTE!  "The Abarth is a slightly different bag of bolts, I can't wait to see what people think of it.
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Jul 2, 2011 17:40
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Today I'll be going to a Fiat dealership to check out the little cars. Excited! Looking forward to seeing how my 6'4'' self can fit comfortably in one. My equally-tall friend test-drove one of them recently and loved it.
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Jul 2, 2011 18:33
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Test-drive done. I want one so bad. Particularly a yellow 5-speed one to match my yellow SV650 motorcycle. Girlfriend has a blue Honda Fit and a blue SV650. So it'd be one scheme-happy family.
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Jul 3, 2011 01:25
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I'm hoping they release the Abarth 500C in the US, so I can get the combination of "fun lifestyle" and ahem, "fun" performance. A convertible = lifestyle, right?
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Jul 3, 2011 15:22
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sim posted:I'm hoping they release the Abarth 500C in the US, so I can get the combination of "fun lifestyle" and ahem, "fun" performance. A convertible = lifestyle, right? http://www.fiat500abarth.us/blog/uslaunch/the-abarths-are-coming/
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Jul 3, 2011 15:47
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Top Gear just did a European tour in a 500CC Abath SS. It's worth checking out.
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Jul 3, 2011 22:59
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kimbo305 posted:They haven't confirmed either. Does your site have any source for the speculation in this post?: Complete, baseless speculation. Most of our my articles aren't like that, but I only have one guest poster and I allow him to speculate and prattle a bit. Here's a Top Gear written review of the 500 C Abarth: http://www.topgear.com/uk/fiat/500/road-test/c-abarth-driven
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Jul 4, 2011 15:12
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Well guys, after test driving some incredibly boring cars that didn't have any character, I think I've decided that my next car will be the Fiat 500. My dad worked at Chrysler and I can get a 5% off invoice. I'm going to the dealer tomorrow. Can someone clarify the difference between the Pop and Sport/Lounge seats? I read on one of the reviews that they have different seat types and the Sport/Lounge is more narrow. Is this true? Also, a couple reviews I've read have said that the sunroof option on the Lounge reduces the amount of headroom. Can anyone confirm this? CalvinandHobbes posted:In southeast michigan (Ann Arbor specifically) I've seen 500s driving around, usualyl alone, since January or so. Surprised how small they really are. I've set on a fiesta for my next car but might have to check one of these out first. What up, A2 goon? You can test drive my (future) Fiat if you'd like. Corb3t fucked around with this message at 05:28 on Aug 15, 2011 |
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Aug 15, 2011 05:15
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Corbet posted:Can someone clarify the difference between the Pop and Sport/Lounge seats? I read on one of the reviews that they have different seat types and the Sport/Lounge is more narrow. Is this true? The Sport seats have thicker side bolsters, I can't remember how the Lounge seats differ. quote:Also, a couple reviews I've read have said that the sunroof option on the Lounge reduces the amount of headroom. Can anyone confirm this? The mechanism for the sunroof will intrude down into the cabin a fair amount, if you're already close to using all the available headroom in a 500 without the sunroof, you will probably hit your head on it.
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Aug 15, 2011 08:30
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They all have really wide seats compared to the typical Japanese market cars I'm used too.
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Aug 15, 2011 10:27
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I've driven three US spec cars now, in varying forms of option packages. Likes: - looks - fit & finish is high for a $15,500 car - light weight (this is my number one new car shopping point) - nice interior materials - lots of room inside for you and your stuff - cool roof rack and rear hatch rack options for cargo carrying - low entry-level price - great warranty Dislikes: - numb steering, even with sport button on - numb clutch engagement with zero feedback - A/C system is quite loud on high setting - turn signal indicator noise is nearly silent (constantly forget that turn signal is on) - slow* *My 106hp Toyota Echo of similar weight feels like a muscle car in comparison. It may be an illusion though... the Fiat is just so quiet and dis-involved by comparison. My Echo has no sound dampening, stiffer suspension, no power steering, and a tighter clutch engagement. The cars may be equal in a drag race, but the Echo just feels faster and more enjoyable because you're not hidden from the driving experience like in the Fiat. Notes: -Do not buy the sport package. It's not worth the money for some marginally-stiffer springs and shocks. You'd be better off buying the base model, putting some proper aftermarket suspension on it, and picking your own sporty wheels from tirerack.com. The only thing you're missing at that point is the sports seats and let me tell you; they're not very sporty. toaster_pastry fucked around with this message at 16:28 on Aug 15, 2011 |
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Aug 15, 2011 16:21
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How the hell do you mess up the steering and clutch feel on a "sporty" compact? Isn't the Euro-spec supposed to have really good feel?
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Aug 15, 2011 16:31
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toaster_pastry posted:- numb clutch engagement with zero feedback I'd love to know if they've changed the clutch mechanism for US spec cars, because the cable clutch in my Panda gives me loads of feedback. True, it's extremely light, but there's still plenty of feel in it. Totally agree on the steering being somewhat numb, the electric power steering on modern small Fiats just doesn't feel as good as a hydraulic system or even a higher-spec electric system.
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Aug 15, 2011 16:39
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Detroit Q. Spider posted:How the hell do you mess up the steering and clutch feel on a "sporty" compact? Isn't the Euro-spec supposed to have really good feel? Europeans seem to hate good clutches, the worst clutch I ever felt in my life (meaning super light and numb) was a 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i. Which is supposed to be a full-on sports car.
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Aug 15, 2011 17:04
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Detroit Q. Spider posted:How the hell do you mess up the steering and clutch feel on a "sporty" compact? Isn't the Euro-spec supposed to have really good feel? If you get out of a modern hatchback and into something from twenty-thirty years old with a thinner, firm steering wheel, no PAS and narrower tyres, the difference in steering feel is absolutely astounding.
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Aug 15, 2011 17:17
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toaster_pastry posted:I've driven three US spec cars now, in varying forms of option packages. Have you test driven the Mazda 2? I'm curious how it would compare, Mazda tends to keep the driving experience intact, and a Mazda 2 with a manual sounds like it could be a fun little car. I've seen a few around and they look MUCH better than the Fiesta.
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Aug 15, 2011 17:28
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leica posted:Have you test driven the Mazda 2? I'm curious how it would compare, Mazda tends to keep the driving experience intact, and a Mazda 2 with a manual sounds like it could be a fun little car. I've seen a few around and they look MUCH better than the Fiesta. They really are excellent to drive. I took one for a test drive and it reminded me a LOT of my '99 Miata, just with less power and a hard top, so yeah I'd definitely like to know if anyone has driven both.
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Aug 15, 2011 17:35
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IOwnCalculus posted:They really are excellent to drive. I took one for a test drive and it reminded me a LOT of my '99 Miata, just with less power and a hard top, so yeah I'd definitely like to know if anyone has driven both. Wow if that's accurate I want one even more now. I've seen adds in the paper for them selling at 13k and 0% (although that may include $$$ down?). I better not test drive one or I may make a bad financial decision 
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Aug 15, 2011 17:41
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