Abarth 500 std v esse esse ride

[rosino]

Looking for a daily fun runaround. Done the Mini Cooper S thing a few years ago.. and as an Italian I am wondering if I shouldn't give a try to the little Abarth which everybody seem to love so much.

Ride-specific question.. is the esse esse version much harsher than the std model ?

There seems to be consensus that Koni FSDs improve things noticeably on both.. and my first thought was to go down the std car route and add FDSs on standard springs.. I think eary esse esses didnt get them but latter one might do as they are sold combined with the springs these days ? Would the FSDs improve comfort on the esse esse ? Autocar/EVO seem to say the ride is truly dreadful on the latter one..

Re the power and brakes difference I am not massively concerned, I would use another proper sportscar one when needed.. as long as the difference between the 2 is not really immense (which it doesnt like it is..)

what are the thoughts ?
- STD with FSDs ?
- Essesse with FSDs ?

[Prolex-UK]

Fit a good set of coilovers

[Zato]

I have a 500 esseesse with koni fsd's. springs are standard esseesse. The ride is brilliant in comparison to a standard esseesse. I test drove a standard esseesse and the ride was firm beyond belief on the crap roads in my area. Trust me it is bad. Either budget for an upgrade (700ish for fsd) or buy a 595 that has them fitted as standard. Im in surrey if you want a spin

David

[rosino]

Thank you indeed! Will drive a few and report back..

[bobo]

agree i have an EE to knock about in. love the car but the ride is terrible.....

Zato said:

I have a 500 esseesse with koni fsd's. springs are standard esseesse. The ride is brilliant in comparison to a standard esseesse. I test drove a standard esseesse and the ride was firm beyond belief on the crap roads in my area. Trust me it is bad. Either budget for an upgrade (700ish for fsd) or buy a 595 that has them fitted as standard. Im in surrey if you want a spin

David

[bobo]

agree i have an EE to knock about in. love the car but the ride is terrible.....

Zato said:

I have a 500 esseesse with koni fsd's. springs are standard esseesse. The ride is brilliant in comparison to a standard esseesse. I test drove a standard esseesse and the ride was firm beyond belief on the crap roads in my area. Trust me it is bad. Either budget for an upgrade (700ish for fsd) or buy a 595 that has them fitted as standard. Im in surrey if you want a spin

David

[Prolex-UK]

Yes

[Mouse1903]

I have a 2010 Esseesse which I've owned from new. Ride can be a bit jittery over bumps but more annoying than uncomfortable. I just upgraded to FSD's and there is a small improvement, but probably not as big as what I read up before purchasing them. Never driven a standard A500