Fiat 500 Abarth

I'm not ashamed to say that I love the Fiat 500. Its one of my favorite cars. When I saw the Disney movie, Cars, I asked my dad what kind of car Luigi was. He told me it was a Fiat 500. I never really heard much about Fiats or cared about them again until I was watching Top Gear many years back and I saw Jeremy Clarkson romping on this tiny little car.
It was white with the red Abarth rocker stripes and red side view mirrors. It looked absolutely perfect especially with the optional 17" wheels on it. Ever since that episode something clicked inside my head where I just started loving Fiats. Some call me crazy for my large passion for such a small car. I get it and I admit there are better, faster, more reliable, cheaper, practical cars out there. The Fiesta ST is about the same price (or slightly cheaper) and way faster. Its been praised for its handling over the past year. I think its a better built car and it has more doors. If I had to buy a new car I would probably buy the Ford just for peace of mind. Which would I rather own? the Fiat.

It sounds odd, I know. I'm a very cautious auto enthusiast. I bought a front and differential skid plate for my Subaru Legacy wagon because I put lowering springs on it and didn't want ice chunks to hurt anything. I'm way more passionate about that cute, little, possibly unreliable Italian gem.

First off have you ever heard one? Its exhaust is largely unrestricted and its as raspy as a smoker's cough. It grumbles and sounds feisty, like it has way more than just 160 horses.
The SPORT button actually does something! When you press it, it tosses 20 more lb-ft of torque at you for a total of 180.
It has two baby intercoolers at each corner of the front bumper (just something I find cool).
The scorpion badges are a pretty mean little detail.
You can get them in obnoxious Ferrari and Maserati special editions that are way to expensive but still cool. (Speaking of special editions the 1957 Fiat 500 is beautiful in the original pastel colors and over sized steelie wheels.)
If you can't afford an Abarth, Fiat will sell you a 135hp 500 with a de-tuned Abarth engine. This model also gives you the Abarth front bumper (minus the scorpion).
When else can you buy something cheap and Italian that will work for a little while?
The car is very retro which is very cool right now.
It has a little mustache!
Finally, its a car with character. Often overlooked, it won't be as fast as the Fords or Volkswagens but it doesn't have to be. The Abarth will be your faithful companion with spunk.