Fiat 500 Abarth as a track day car?
Discussion
Grunt not revs said:
Having spent more than the national debt on previous track cars I'm looking at a budget thrasher this time round: any comments or observations on or experience with a Fiat 500 Abarth?
Must depend on what you really want (handling/speed/power/room inside/spares/club support etc)? Whilst they have tuning potential, & a strong fan base, I haven't seen any on site in the last few years, at airfields or on track. Seen all other sorts from Austin(?) Maestro to new Ferrari, so something must be pushing others away from the Fiat?Probably cheaper ways of budget thrashers, longer & wider wheelbase older cars, with plentiful spares etc still in scrapyards or supplier support, &/or good club support to get Trackday cheaper in first place?
Obviously Mx5/MGTF/MR2 still available, although some tracks/clubs wont take convertibles unless roll caged. Then there's all the Fords & Vauxhalls etc.
What's your budget?
Grunt not revs said:
Having spent more than the national debt on previous track cars I'm looking at a budget thrasher this time round: any comments or observations on or experience with a Fiat 500 Abarth?
Terrible car (and I have one!) - Get a thrashy NA FWD hatch for budget track days. Clio 172 or that ilk. I really hate the boots nature of the Abarthand the seating position is waaaaaay too high I've had all sorts of track cars. Last one was a Clio 182 Cup, although I think it might have been closer to 200 judging by the receipts. It was also my second favourite after a '96 Elise, but ahead of a 205, Boxster S, E30, E46 and a Westfield. Other than the Elise, a common issue was brakes. Finally sorted the Clio with ex-race calipers and Carbon Lorraines as well as 4" diameter vent tubing plumbed in via the foglamp holes...
... and got one track day in before the pandemic hit, and sold it during one of the lockdown lifts.
The other common factor was getting caught in the spiral of upgrades. Other than the seemingly-mapped Clio and mildly-warmed E30, no power-related mods, just brakes, then tyres, then suspension, then two sets of wheels and tyres, then adjustable this-that-and-the-other, and, to be frank, it all became a bit like racing with all the prep the weekend before, and the junk I took with me, and actually not that enjoyable in the end.
So I'm looking at simplifying it all as much as possible: brake pads, brake fluid, front tyres, minor maintenance, fire-and-forget. Question is which car? 500 Abarths look like good value, and Fiats generally unburstable. Wife has a boggo 500, but I've never driven an Abarth, so really looking for somebody's direct experience trackdaying one.
Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
... and got one track day in before the pandemic hit, and sold it during one of the lockdown lifts.
The other common factor was getting caught in the spiral of upgrades. Other than the seemingly-mapped Clio and mildly-warmed E30, no power-related mods, just brakes, then tyres, then suspension, then two sets of wheels and tyres, then adjustable this-that-and-the-other, and, to be frank, it all became a bit like racing with all the prep the weekend before, and the junk I took with me, and actually not that enjoyable in the end.
So I'm looking at simplifying it all as much as possible: brake pads, brake fluid, front tyres, minor maintenance, fire-and-forget. Question is which car? 500 Abarths look like good value, and Fiats generally unburstable. Wife has a boggo 500, but I've never driven an Abarth, so really looking for somebody's direct experience trackdaying one.
Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
Grunt not revs said:
I've had all sorts of track cars. Last one was a Clio 182 Cup, although I think it might have been closer to 200 judging by the receipts. It was also my second favourite after a '96 Elise, but ahead of a 205, Boxster S, E30, E46 and a Westfield. Other than the Elise, a common issue was brakes. Finally sorted the Clio with ex-race calipers and Carbon Lorraines as well as 4" diameter vent tubing plumbed in via the foglamp holes...
... and got one track day in before the pandemic hit, and sold it during one of the lockdown lifts.
The other common factor was getting caught in the spiral of upgrades. Other than the seemingly-mapped Clio and mildly-warmed E30, no power-related mods, just brakes, then tyres, then suspension, then two sets of wheels and tyres, then adjustable this-that-and-the-other, and, to be frank, it all became a bit like racing with all the prep the weekend before, and the junk I took with me, and actually not that enjoyable in the end.
So I'm looking at simplifying it all as much as possible: brake pads, brake fluid, front tyres, minor maintenance, fire-and-forget. Question is which car? 500 Abarths look like good value, and Fiats generally unburstable. Wife has a boggo 500, but I've never driven an Abarth, so really looking for somebody's direct experience trackdaying one.
Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
You've had a fair few then, & seem to like changing cars. Is this another 'itch to scratch'?! Lighter cars will have best P.T.W ratio, & be lighter on consumables to help keep costs down. ... and got one track day in before the pandemic hit, and sold it during one of the lockdown lifts.
The other common factor was getting caught in the spiral of upgrades. Other than the seemingly-mapped Clio and mildly-warmed E30, no power-related mods, just brakes, then tyres, then suspension, then two sets of wheels and tyres, then adjustable this-that-and-the-other, and, to be frank, it all became a bit like racing with all the prep the weekend before, and the junk I took with me, and actually not that enjoyable in the end.
So I'm looking at simplifying it all as much as possible: brake pads, brake fluid, front tyres, minor maintenance, fire-and-forget. Question is which car? 500 Abarths look like good value, and Fiats generally unburstable. Wife has a boggo 500, but I've never driven an Abarth, so really looking for somebody's direct experience trackdaying one.
Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
That budget doesn't seem that high for a 'modern' car. Lowest Fiat 500 Abarth on this site is nearly £4k & 136k miles. Autotrader is £3500 & 100k miles.
Have you tried looking at the Abarth forums to see if they've done any track days, or been to a local meet to talk to anyone? They may also have cars already part track prepped advertised, so you can speak to owners direct.
Must be those on Youtube who have posted Trackday videos & their experiences etc. Do Fiat UK do any sponsored/open track days now? - I see StefABtv on Youtube seems to be doing one 6 years ago, but times & track availability changes.
Grunt not revs said:
So I'm looking at simplifying it all as much as possible: brake pads, brake fluid, front tyres, minor maintenance, fire-and-forget. Question is which car? 500 Abarths look like good value, and Fiats generally unburstable. Wife has a boggo 500, but I've never driven an Abarth, so really looking for somebody's direct experience trackdaying one.
Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
Not a Fiat, but I bought a 2016 Suzuki swift sport with 38k miles for £2.5k. It was from copart due to a rear 3/4 ding. Spent less than 500 fixing it up. Usually one of the slowest on track but good fun and very much just turn up and drive.Budget? I'm determined to operate on funding it from the sale of other stuff, in this case a couple of my bikes, so probably £3,000 for purchase and minor mods.
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
You've had a fair few then, & seem to like changing cars. Is this another 'itch to scratch'?! Lighter cars will have best P.T.W ratio, & be lighter on consumables to help keep costs down.
That budget doesn't seem that high for a 'modern' car. Lowest Fiat 500 Abarth on this site is nearly £4k & 136k miles. Autotrader is £3500 & 100k miles.
Have you tried looking at the Abarth forums to see if they've done any track days, or been to a local meet to talk to anyone? They may also have cars already part track prepped advertised, so you can speak to owners direct.
Must be those on Youtube who have posted Trackday videos & their experiences etc. Do Fiat UK do any sponsored/open track days now? - I see StefABtv on Youtube seems to be doing one 6 years ago, but times & track availability changes.
Thanks for the observations. Useful idea and research prompts.That budget doesn't seem that high for a 'modern' car. Lowest Fiat 500 Abarth on this site is nearly £4k & 136k miles. Autotrader is £3500 & 100k miles.
Have you tried looking at the Abarth forums to see if they've done any track days, or been to a local meet to talk to anyone? They may also have cars already part track prepped advertised, so you can speak to owners direct.
Must be those on Youtube who have posted Trackday videos & their experiences etc. Do Fiat UK do any sponsored/open track days now? - I see StefABtv on Youtube seems to be doing one 6 years ago, but times & track availability changes.
I raced, then did some track days, then raced again, then karted, then instructed, then did track days again, then karted. We're talking 40+ years. Kept each track day car two or three years with some gaps between.
It's not an itch as such, I just rotate between two wheels and four, and tinkering and driving. I'm now in a track day frame of mind. An Abarth has come on to my radar which has piqued my interest, although I'm still considering a Clio. I quite like the idea of something that makes up time in the corners, though.
porterpainter said:
Not a Fiat, but I bought a 2016 Suzuki swift sport with 38k miles for £2.5k. It was from copart due to a rear 3/4 ding. Spent less than 500 fixing it up. Usually one of the slowest on track but good fun and very much just turn up and drive.
Now that sounds offbeat and interesting, with some equally interesting test reviews...Grunt not revs said:
porterpainter said:
Now that sounds offbeat and interesting, with some equally interesting test reviews...I've got a clio 172 which has been fantastic over the years. I can drive it to the day, do 200 miles on track and drive it home again. Then the next day take my son to school in it.
It's not the fastest thing (by a long way), but it's light, mechanically simple, really fun to drive, fairly cheap on fuel and consumables, and there is lots of spares support. It can also really fly through a corner.
Grunt not revs said:
porterpainter said:
Now that sounds offbeat and interesting, with some equally interesting test reviews...I’ve never seen a 500 on track though.
I wonder if they’d squirm violently at track speeds/braking to a point of not being very rewarding?
Cambs_Stuart said:
There's a reason you can rent them for Nürburgring sessions...
I've got a clio 172 which has been fantastic over the years. I can drive it to the day, do 200 miles on track and drive it home again. Then the next day take my son to school in it.
It's not the fastest thing (by a long way), but it's light, mechanically simple, really fun to drive, fairly cheap on fuel and consumables, and there is lots of spares support. It can also really fly through a corner.
Yes, I think as I mentioned earlier I had a 182. Fantastic car, but ear defenders crucial (at least in mine...) at motorway speeds.I've got a clio 172 which has been fantastic over the years. I can drive it to the day, do 200 miles on track and drive it home again. Then the next day take my son to school in it.
It's not the fastest thing (by a long way), but it's light, mechanically simple, really fun to drive, fairly cheap on fuel and consumables, and there is lots of spares support. It can also really fly through a corner.
Grunt not revs said:
Thanks for the observations. Useful idea and research prompts.
I raced, then did some track days, then raced again, then karted, then instructed, then did track days again, then karted. We're talking 40+ years. Kept each track day car two or three years with some gaps between.
It's not an itch as such, I just rotate between two wheels and four, and tinkering and driving. I'm now in a track day frame of mind. An Abarth has come on to my radar which has piqued my interest, although I'm still considering a Clio. I quite like the idea of something that makes up time in the corners, though.
Sounds like you're very experienced then. Suzuki Swift Sport does get good reviews. Of 4 sales websites (PH Autotrader, Gumtree, Motors), most were over your budget, but 'Motors' had 3 & 'Gumtree' 1. I might be confusing cars (so many hot & warm hatches!), but I thought the Suzuki came with a expensive one piece rear body panel, which made them a bit more expensive to insure, so scrapyards may have them if written off just for this reason, or buyers with rear dings more willing to sell.I raced, then did some track days, then raced again, then karted, then instructed, then did track days again, then karted. We're talking 40+ years. Kept each track day car two or three years with some gaps between.
It's not an itch as such, I just rotate between two wheels and four, and tinkering and driving. I'm now in a track day frame of mind. An Abarth has come on to my radar which has piqued my interest, although I'm still considering a Clio. I quite like the idea of something that makes up time in the corners, though.
Ref Trackdays, just in case, none of the national breakdown companies will recover you from tracks any more. You may be able to get other insurance/recovery though, if you're not trailering whatever you do purchase.
TrotCanterGallopCharge said:
Sounds like you're very experienced then. Suzuki Swift Sport does get good reviews. Of 4 sales websites (PH Autotrader, Gumtree, Motors), most were over your budget, but 'Motors' had 3 & 'Gumtree' 1. I might be confusing cars (so many hot & warm hatches!), but I thought the Suzuki came with a expensive one piece rear body panel, which made them a bit more expensive to insure, so scrapyards may have them if written off just for this reason, or buyers with rear dings more willing to sell.
Ref Trackdays, just in case, none of the national breakdown companies will recover you from tracks any more. You may be able to get other insurance/recovery though, if you're not trailering whatever you do purchase.
Mine was a write off because the rear 3/4 was dented, wasn’t too bad though. The picture above shows the damaged side so judge for yourself.Ref Trackdays, just in case, none of the national breakdown companies will recover you from tracks any more. You may be able to get other insurance/recovery though, if you're not trailering whatever you do purchase.
You will have to shop around to get a cheap one, but they do come up…especially if you don’t mind one with a ding or two.
Edit - insurance was £152 fully comp for the year for me, 45yo living in liverpool.
Thank goodness blue flags were being used at Snetterton back in Feb!
I passed a 911,a Cayman, a Boxster and a DB9 all in one lap at one point. The MX-5s I stopped counting.
Not suggesting I'm Max Verstappen but wet weather is a leveller and the Abarth is well suited to track use. They can get a little squirrelly when trail braking as they are tall and narrow but you learn to trust it.
If you're using one for track use I strongly suggest a Competizione due to it having the Brembos. Mine doesn't have the LSD which would be preferable.
The TTC just causes the inboard pads to cook.
I wish all track days were in the wet, It's great fun letting the car move around and It's easy on consumables.
Oh, and they are VERY much a case of 'Grunt Not Revs'.........
Abarth having a bath. by Jayson Cork, on Flickr
I passed a 911,a Cayman, a Boxster and a DB9 all in one lap at one point. The MX-5s I stopped counting.
Not suggesting I'm Max Verstappen but wet weather is a leveller and the Abarth is well suited to track use. They can get a little squirrelly when trail braking as they are tall and narrow but you learn to trust it.
If you're using one for track use I strongly suggest a Competizione due to it having the Brembos. Mine doesn't have the LSD which would be preferable.
The TTC just causes the inboard pads to cook.
I wish all track days were in the wet, It's great fun letting the car move around and It's easy on consumables.
Oh, and they are VERY much a case of 'Grunt Not Revs'.........
Abarth having a bath. by Jayson Cork, on FlickrEdited by Benzinaio on Tuesday 2nd April 17:53
Edited by Benzinaio on Tuesday 2nd April 17:55
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