Fiat vs Mini Cooper
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Sorry If I offended you,it was not my intention,don't take it personal that much. You like the Fiat and good for you. I'm sure they will sell a ton especially with this crazy gas price going up,just not my forte.
I never really like the look that's all,it's too high and a little disproportionate. Fiat sucked in the past they had to pull back and it would take serious good reviews on reliability. It didn't do anything when I saw it here. It was better looking in Europe where it belongs,it fits the decor since the real estate is a premium commodity,no place to park. Good on fuel though !!
Mini still rules especially with the coupe and roadster coming.
I never really like the look that's all,it's too high and a little disproportionate. Fiat sucked in the past they had to pull back and it would take serious good reviews on reliability. It didn't do anything when I saw it here. It was better looking in Europe where it belongs,it fits the decor since the real estate is a premium commodity,no place to park. Good on fuel though !!
Mini still rules especially with the coupe and roadster coming.
I have owned 3 MINS, 2004 MCS, 2005 MC, 2007 MCS...and now a FIAT 500 Sport...DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE FIAT! It has the feel of the original R50 MINI before it got all cushy and refined in the R56. I think some of the soul was lost with all the refinements over the years. Anyway, the FIAT will take off here, its feels great to drive and people are coming up to me and asking about it much more than my MINI (I had one of the first in the area even with the 2004). The FIAT looks much more sorted out visually. I cant tell you how many times Ive heard that the FIAT looks much better than my old MINI...Also Im taken back that someone who drives a MINI said the term "chick car"...save those comments for the guys driving Ford F150s to make, you drive a MINI and i drive a FIAT neither is a testosterone mobile ok. BUT side by side the FIAT has a more agressive and less cutsie style to it. its retro, modern and looks and drives fantastic! Look at the side by side someone posted, the MINIs design looks dated compared to the FIAT...its even more apparent in person. I chose white, it shows the lines great and MINI has yet to offer a true pure white as an option (my 2005 was pepper white black top). anyway they are both great cars, Ill give the better drive ever so slightly to the MINI (especially the MCS) but looks, design, style and road presence to the FIAT hands down!
the best way to compare is If you have ever driven a 2002-2004 cooper (minus the terrible midland slushbox of course). it had its quirks but thats what made the car. i would say build quality is in that range. car feels solid, doors have the same heavy THUNK when closed. seats are fantastic in the sport! Bose speakes come standard are are pretty good. the plastic, switches and materials used were a bit better in the MINI. car drives solid at low and high speeds, but the suspension can feel a but fussy on uneven roads. exterior fit and finish is excellent! now the best part, the 5 speed shifts amazing. from the position of the shifter to the solid yet buttery shifts! the clutch feels perfect. and the little multiair engine feels strong. im getting well over 400 miles out of a tank (10 gallon capacity) on regular gas. i tested the auto and its good, shares the same aisin auto box with the cooper, but doesnt makes best use to get power from the engine. auto also returns worse gas mileage. reliability is still in question but the car has been in eurooe for a few years and is considered reliable.
trust me this car is FUN to drive and looks amazing in person. the best way to describe the feeling and overall experience is its 2004 all over again when i bought my first cooper!
trust me this car is FUN to drive and looks amazing in person. the best way to describe the feeling and overall experience is its 2004 all over again when i bought my first cooper!
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon, CA East Bay
I have owned 3 MINS, 2004 MCS, 2005 MC, 2007 MCS...and now a FIAT 500 Sport...DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE FIAT! It has the feel of the original R50 MINI before it got all cushy and refined in the R56. I think some of the soul was lost with all the refinements over the years. Anyway, the FIAT will take off here, its feels great to drive and people are coming up to me and asking about it much more than my MINI (I had one of the first in the area even with the 2004). The FIAT looks much more sorted out visually. I cant tell you how many times Ive heard that the FIAT looks much better than my old MINI...Also Im taken back that someone who drives a MINI said the term "chick car"...save those comments for the guys driving Ford F150s to make, you drive a MINI and i drive a FIAT neither is a testosterone mobile ok. BUT side by side the FIAT has a more agressive and less cutsie style to it. its retro, modern and looks and drives fantastic! Look at the side by side someone posted, the MINIs design looks dated compared to the FIAT...its even more apparent in person. I chose white, it shows the lines great and MINI has yet to offer a true pure white as an option (my 2005 was pepper white black top). anyway they are both great cars, Ill give the better drive ever so slightly to the MINI (especially the MCS) but looks, design, style and road presence to the FIAT hands down!
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, Texas
Just watched the fiat review on Motor Week. They had a red one that actually looked pretty good and they liked the car. My opinion is changing
Not that I think I'd get one, but it is growing on me, like a fungus.
Not that I think I'd get one, but it is growing on me, like a fungus.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
Actually I think the MINI is looking more "dated" with every passing day....hate to say this but...I think I'm over MINI!
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 3
From: Orlando, Florida
I have owned 3 MINS, 2004 MCS, 2005 MC, 2007 MCS...and now a FIAT 500 Sport...DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE FIAT! It has the feel of the original R50 MINI before it got all cushy and refined in the R56. I think some of the soul was lost with all the refinements over the years. Anyway, the FIAT will take off here, its feels great to drive and people are coming up to me and asking about it much more than my MINI (I had one of the first in the area even with the 2004). The FIAT looks much more sorted out visually. I cant tell you how many times Ive heard that the FIAT looks much better than my old MINI...Also Im taken back that someone who drives a MINI said the term "chick car"...save those comments for the guys driving Ford F150s to make, you drive a MINI and i drive a FIAT neither is a testosterone mobile ok. BUT side by side the FIAT has a more agressive and less cutsie style to it. its retro, modern and looks and drives fantastic! Look at the side by side someone posted, the MINIs design looks dated compared to the FIAT...its even more apparent in person. I chose white, it shows the lines great and MINI has yet to offer a true pure white as an option (my 2005 was pepper white black top). anyway they are both great cars, Ill give the better drive ever so slightly to the MINI (especially the MCS) but looks, design, style and road presence to the FIAT hands down!
With only 1700 miles, I'm getting better gas mileage with each tank and expect to get over 40 mpg on the highway.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 116
Likes: 1
Anything that's radically new looks "different" to us and this is the case with the Fiat. I used to think MINIs were "odd" or "funny looking" in some regards because I was not used to seeing them. Now, I think they all look awesome and somewhat "usual" as they have become more mainstream. I suspect the same will be true for the 500.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,821
Likes: 1
From: Mililani,Hawaii
Th fiat looks too skinny and too tall to me. Maybe the tallness makes it look skinny.
What does a tuning kit for a cooper consist of? cat back and intake?
What does a tuning kit for a cooper consist of? cat back and intake?
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: Far West Texas
Any threads about MINI vs Fiat, I always have to add the fact that Fiat does pose a threat to MINI sales. MINI will have to react, hopefully in a positive way and continue to better their cars. Competition is more than welcomed!
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 3
From: Orlando, Florida
“Cat-back” sport exhaust system,
Improved-flow air filter,
Cover injection tube,
Updated ECU programming,
Engine cover, rear, and side vent badges (my kit is no. 475).
http://jamesday.net/mini/jcw
http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/03/...ing-kit-review
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 3
From: Orlando, Florida
I literally watched one happen. I was at the FIAT dealer and spoke to a couple shopping for a small car. They purchased a FIAT 500 Sport due mostly to the lower price.
I sat in a Fiat 500 at the Chicago Auto Show. I thought it looked and felt cheap compared to both my old R50 and current R56. There was almost zero legroom in the back (not that there's a ton in a MINI, but you *can* get someone back there if need be) and at 5'4, I was hitting my head getting in and out.
I almost ordered one unseen last year instead of my R56...glad I didn't go through with it!
I almost ordered one unseen last year instead of my R56...glad I didn't go through with it!
The first time I saw a vintage Fiat CinqueCento (500) was in the movie The Big Blue starring Jean Reno...
More recently, I've seen CinqueCentos all over Europe and they look much better in the metal than in photos. Cute little buggers and everyone who's driven one has praises for its handling ability. It will definitely give Fiat a good re-appearance in N.America and garner the curiosity of retro-biased car buyers. Definitely more competition for the Mini and 2012 VW Beetle.
More recently, I've seen CinqueCentos all over Europe and they look much better in the metal than in photos. Cute little buggers and everyone who's driven one has praises for its handling ability. It will definitely give Fiat a good re-appearance in N.America and garner the curiosity of retro-biased car buyers. Definitely more competition for the Mini and 2012 VW Beetle.
I went to take a look at the new 500 myself. Even though I'm only 5'10", my head presses against the sunroof in one. On models without a sunroof I have maybe a 1/2" of clearance. This is with the seat as low as it can go. I can't help if I'm built like a weeble. My legs are short but my torso is long. I fit in a MINI with plenty of room to spare. The 500 is also just a bit too narrow for me. Even though I don't fit well it's still a nice, small car. My only real gripes would be the cheap feeling seat adjustment levers, the dash buttons, and the hollow feeling when you shut the door. A MINI feels like a bank vault in comparison.
I wonder how I'll fit in the 2012 Beetle?
I wonder how I'll fit in the 2012 Beetle?
Anyway, to answer your question. The 2012 Beetle is 3.3" wider (71.2"), 6" longer (168.4"), and 0.5" lower (58.5"). The roof-line is throwback to the air-cooled Bugs so it's flatter than the out-going model's half-circle, giving the rear passengers more headroom. Engine & tranny choices: 2.5L, 2.0 Turbo, 2.0 TDI (diesel); 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG (dual clutch auto).
2012 Beetle will definitely be on my list...
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 8
From: Norfolk, VA
I think it looks great as well - pretty much a perfect example of the evolution of a car design done correctly. While there are significant changes to just about every part of the car, it's still instantly recognizable as a Beetle.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: San Ramon, CA East Bay
Tells me they spent a lot of money on R&D for the beetle. The red looks fantastic. Would love to have one in the garage!
The Jetta is the best-selling model for VW in NA but it's a bit expensive. So VW Group has relegated the Jetta and the upcoming American-made (Chattanooga, TN) Passat to go head-on against the Corolla, Camry, Civic and Accord. Thus VW had to throw a lot vanilla sauce over them... neutralizing the style and de-contenting standard features and offering minimal options. $16k for the Jetta and $20k for the Passat. The 1st quarter sales result for the Jetta is a 74% increase over last year. So it seems the strategy is working!
Another red for ya...
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