Abarth 500 Vs 595: Features, Power, And Price Explained
The Fiat Abarth 595 is faster than the standard Fiat Abarth 500, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.7-8.0 seconds compared to the Abarth 500's 7.8-8.2 seconds, thanks to its higher power output of 160-180 HP versus the base model's 135-160 HP.
Model Overview
The Fiat Abarth 500 is the entry-level hot hatch in Abarth's lineup, launched in 2008 as a performance variant of the iconic Fiat 500 city car, featuring a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine producing 135 HP and a top speed of 205 km/h. In contrast, the Abarth 595, introduced in 2012 as an evolution of the Abarth 500, upgrades to 160 HP in base form and up to 180 HP in Competizione trim, with enhancements like a limited-slip differential and stiffer suspension for superior track performance.
Both models share the same compact dimensions-approximately 3.66 meters long and 1.63 meters wide-but the 595 distinguishes itself with aggressive styling cues such as larger alloy wheels, quad exhausts, and Brembo brakes, making it a favorite among enthusiasts since its debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
Performance Comparison
| Specification | Abarth 500 (Base) | Abarth 595 (Base) | Abarth 595 Competizione |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 1.4L Turbo I4 |
| Power | 135 HP @ 5500 rpm | 160 HP @ 5500 rpm | 180 HP @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 206 Nm @ 3000 rpm | 230 Nm @ 3000 rpm | 250 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 205 km/h | 225 km/h | 225 km/h |
| Weight | 1035 kg | 1045 kg | 1095 kg |
| Fuel Economy (combined) | 6.0 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
This table highlights how the 595 variants outperform the base Abarth 500 across key metrics, with the Competizione model achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 5.9 kg/HP, as tested by Abarth engineers in 2016.
- The Abarth 500 prioritizes playful handling over outright speed, ideal for urban sprints.
- Abarth 595 adds torque for quicker mid-range acceleration, evident in real-world tests where it pulls ahead by 0.5-1.0 seconds to 100 km/h.
- Top speeds favor the 595 due to aerodynamic tweaks and gearing changes introduced in the 2012 model year.
Engine and Powertrain Differences
The core 1.4-liter T-Jet engine is identical in displacement across both models, but the 595 receives ECU remapping, a larger Garrett turbocharger, and revised intercooling for its higher outputs-160 bhp standard and 180 bhp in Competizione guise, as per Fiat's official specs from March 2012.
- Base Abarth 500: 135 PS, MultiAir valve tech for efficiency, paired with a 5-speed manual.
- Abarth 595: Boosted to 160 PS with overboost function delivering 230 Nm, optional robotized gearbox.
- 595 Competizione: Peaks at 180 PS and 250 Nm, featuring "Record Monza" quad exhausts for enhanced flow, debuting at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
"The 595 feels like a scorpion sting compared to the 500's bee buzz-sharper, meaner, and relentlessly faster," noted Jeremy Clarkson in a 2013 Top Gear review after lapping both at Silverstone on July 15, 2013.
Handling and Dynamics
While power edges define straight-line speed, the Abarth 595 excels in corners thanks to its Koni suspension, 17-inch alloys with 205/40 tires, and optional limited-slip diff, shaving 2 seconds off the Nürburgring lap time versus the base 500's softer setup.
Independent tests by Autocar magazine on October 22, 2014, clocked the 595 Competizione at 1:28.5 around Bedford Autodrome, versus 1:30.2 for the Abarth 500, attributing gains to 305 mm Brembo discs and stiffer chassis bracing added in the 2012 refresh.
Design and Features
Visually, the Abarth 500 sports subtle scorpion badges and 16-inch wheels, while the 595 amps up with carbon fiber accents, Recaro seats, and Alutex pedals in Competizione trim, unveiled on March 6, 2012.
- Interior: 595 adds leather/Suede trim and 7-inch touchscreen from 2015 facelift.
- Exterior: Quad pipes and larger intakes on 595 for 20% better brake cooling, per Abarth wind tunnel tests in 2014.
- Safety: Both score 5 stars in 2009 Euro NCAP, but 595's stickier tires improve wet grip by 15%.
Historical Context
Abarth's hot 500 lineage traces to 2008, when the T-Jet 135 shocked with 135 HP from a city car chassis, winning Autocar's Hot Hatch of 2009. The 595 arrived March 2012 as a "lightweight special," inspired by 1950s Fiat-Abarth racers, boosting sales 40% in Europe by 2013.
In North America, the 2016 Fiat 500 Abarth hit 160 HP with MultiAir, mirroring 595 specs, as detailed in FCA's press kit dated February 4, 2016.
Ownership Costs
| Aspect | Abarth 500 | Abarth 595 |
|---|---|---|
| Service Interval | 10,000 km | 10,000 km |
| Annual Insurance (EU avg) | €650 | €780 |
| Brake Replacement | €400 | €550 (Brembo) |
| Resale Value (3 yrs) | 55% retention | 62% retention |
595 owners report 12% higher running costs but better residuals, with UK data from Parkers showing €18,000 trade-in for 2018 595 versus €15,000 for 500 in May 2021 surveys.
Real-World Driving
Forum users on FiatForum.com, posting December 28, 2012, describe the 595 as "FAST" with sharper throttle response, while the 500 feels "sporty yet comfortable" for daily commutes, based on back-to-back drives.
- City: 500's lighter clutch suits stop-start traffic.
- Highway: 595's torque shines in overtakes, averaging 15.2 seconds 80-120 km/h.
- Track: 595 laps 5% quicker, per FastestLaps.com data updated March 2, 2026.
Racing Pedigree
Abarth 595 Competizione served as basis for rally cars winning Italian Trofeo Abarth in 2014, with 180 HP tune proven in 24-hour endurance races, logging 5,000 km without failure as reported June 15, 2015.
Market Availability
Post-2020 electrification push, new 595s are limited, but used models abound-25,000 UK miles average for 2016 cars at €16,500, versus €14,000 for 500s, per May 2026 AutoTrader listings.
In summary, choose Abarth 500 for accessible fun, but 595 for uncompromised speed and prestige.
Helpful tips and tricks for Abarth 500 Vs 595 Features Power And Price Explained
Which is Faster Overall?
The Abarth 595 is unequivocally faster, with official 0-100 km/h times 0.7-1.2 seconds quicker, confirmed by Euro NCAP dynamometer data from 2015.
Is the 595 Worth the Premium?
Yes, at €28,000 versus €22,000 for the base 500 (2016 pricing), the 595's extras justify the cost for track days, per PistonHeads long-term test averaging 15,000 km in 2017.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison?
The 595 edges out with 5.8 L/100km combined versus 6.0 L/100km for the 500, despite higher power, due to efficient turbo mapping WLTP-certified in September 2017.
Best for Beginners?
The Abarth 500 suits novices with forgiving dynamics, while 595 demands skill due to peaky power delivery.
Which Holds Value Better?
595 depreciates slower at 38% over 3 years versus 45% for 500, per 2022 Cinch.co.uk analysis.