My new-to-me 2013 Fiat 500 turbo

[Frankinstyn]

Hello all. So my restored 1980 VW Rabbit was totaled. I spend way too much time and effort on it to don't want to repeat the process. I was gutted.







Then I did some research and found that the Fiat 500 is a comparable car so I went car hunting.

The dealer only had a used turbo model on the lot in a manual so I test drove it and it's awesome! It has all the features as far as I can tell.

30,000 miles and the only things wrong were a tiny chip in a rim, a broken arm-rest (I fixed that already), and peeling leather on the steering wheel.

$8,750 before tax and licensing.

Now I just have to chose a chip system for it. I'm considering the Euro+Drive.

https://shopeurocompulsion.net/produ...12508592275504

I just want as much power as I can get without modding the engine. I'm willing to do a cai but would prefer not to even do that.

[aelfwyne]

If you're not looking for insane mods, then a Eurocompulsion Phase 1 tune will bring you up to Abarth power and just a bit beyond. You may still need to upgrade coils or regap the plugs if they give an issue, and sometimes boost leaks appear when you increase the boost. These are small and easy to solve issues. It's once you reach "phase 2" levels that you begin to really have to focus on mods. Also the 500T suspension is a bit soft, you may want to upgrade it. Good thing is these cars are actually relatively easy to work on compared to many modern cars.

[Frankinstyn]

If you're not looking for insane mods, then a Eurocompulsion Phase 1 tune will bring you up to Abarth power and just a bit beyond. You may still need to upgrade coils or regap the plugs if they give an issue, and sometimes boost leaks appear when you increase the boost. These are small and easy to solve issues. It's once you reach "phase 2" levels that you begin to really have to focus on mods. Also the 500T suspension is a bit soft, you may want to upgrade it. Good thing is these cars are actually relatively easy to work on compared to many modern cars.

Thanks for the input. That's exactly what I'm looking for. This thing is really fast already when in sport mode so I think Abarth power would be great. No problem with coils or plugs. Those I understand.

I actually bought the 500T on purpose. There was an Abarth for sale for a similar price but the suspension on that one was entirely too stiff for Tacoma, WA roads. Even this is a bit stiff.

This does look relatively easy to work on. It's not as easy as my old Rabbit though. I'm not looking forward to doing the timing belt as it looks almost like the engine should come out. Thankfully that's at least 70k from now and I'll be rich enough to pay someone else to do it by then.

[aelfwyne]

Thanks for the input. That's exactly what I'm looking for. This thing is really fast already when in sport mode so I think Abarth power would be great. No problem with coils or plugs. Those I understand.

I actually bought the 500T on purpose. There was an Abarth for sale for a similar price but the suspension on that one was entirely too stiff for Tacoma, WA roads. Even this is a bit stiff.

This does look relatively easy to work on. It's not as easy as my old Rabbit though. I'm not looking forward to doing the timing belt as it looks almost like the engine should come out. Thankfully that's at least 70k from now and I'll be rich enough to pay someone else to do it by then.

Engine comes out rather easily TBH ... .

But yeah, the old Rabbit I'm sure is easier. I'm making a comparison to some other cars. Specifically I like how the entire front of this car is unboltable... Some cars have welded radiator supports which makes major work more of a chore.

As far as this being the closest modern equivalent - I agree. I had a 1985 Dodge Charger 2.2 liter NA, and this is the closest feeling to that old "lightweight point and go" driving style I have had in years.

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[Robert Nixon]

Congrats on the T, sorry to hear about your Rabbit. I had a used 78 and a new 83, the one I bought new and maintained was great.

Sounds like you got a great deal too. Welcome to the forum.