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So there I was, admiring Porsches, Jaguars, and Ferraris at a Cars and Coffee event. A loud rumble snapped me out of my reverie. I turned, expecting to see an exotic supercar. Instead, the noise came from a tiny Fiat 500 Abarth. The pint-sized hatchback stole the show, sounding like a race car and radiating charm.

The Fiat 500 Abarth delivers thrills far beyond its size. Its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder produces 160 horsepower. That may not sound impressive, but it packs a punch in a car weighing just 2,500 pounds. Doug DeMuro described it as “the most fun you’re ever gonna have for nine grand.”

Bright yellow Fiat 500 Abarth hot hatch cornering at high speed.
Fiat 500 Abarth | supergenijalac via iStockPhoto

This car thrives in sport mode. Doug called its button “the most effective Sport button ever.” It tightens steering, sharpens handling, and increases torque from 150 to 170 lb-ft. With the exhaust growling, it feels alive, even on short commutes.

“This car sounds like it’s ready for battle…even if you’re not having fun at that precise second—you drop the accelerator, and you hear that. It just feels angry. It sounds amazing.” – Doug Demuro

The Fiat 500 Abarth doesn’t just perform; it charms. Retro graphics, sporty wheels, and scorpion badges make it look playful yet aggressive. Inside, the snug cabin feels purposeful. A factory turbo boost gauge and manual transmission enhance the driver’s connection to the car.

Are Abarths reliable?

Fiat’s 500 is not perfect. Critics highlight rattling interiors and small rear seats. Early models had turbo issues, but updates resolved them. Still, owners on r/Fiat rave about the Abarth’s reliability when maintained properly.

Bright yellow Fiat 500 Abarth hot hatch Rear
Fiat 500 Abarth | supergenijalac via iStockPhoto

The best part? These little screamers are cheap. Doug found high-mileage examples for $7,500. Clean, low-mileage cars often cost less than $12,000. Even the pricier Cabrio models stay well under $20,000.

For less than the price of an economy car, you can own a Fiat 500 Abarth. It’s an everyday commuter that howls like a supercar. Head to the used market, and see why this tiny terror is so beloved.

Ready to grab your own pint-sized thrill ride? Check out used Fiat listings today and experience big fun for a small price.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer who brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Henry covers Ford models daily, including the F-150. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. He’s an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts. Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont.