Abarth 500 Vs 595: Which One Actually Wins?
The Abarth 500 and Abarth 595 deliver strikingly close performance in acceleration and top speed, with the base 595 matching the original 500's 7.8-second 0-62mph sprint using 143bhp, while upgraded 595 variants like the Competizione edge ahead at 6.7 seconds with 178bhp. Both share the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine architecture, lightweight chassis under 1,050kg, and nimble handling that makes them feel quicker than specs alone suggest. This comparison reveals why enthusiasts often find their real-world thrills nearly indistinguishable despite paper upgrades.
Model Evolution
The original
Key milestones include the 595's debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, where it claimed "pocket rocket" supremacy with Brembo brakes standard on Competizione trims. Production data from Fiat's records shows over 15,000 units sold across Europe by 2020, with UK registrations peaking in 2019 at 1,247 amid Brexit-era demand for fun commuters. Quotes from Abarth CEO Filippo Proverti in a 2023 interview highlight: "The 595 isn't a replacement; it's an evolution that keeps the 500's soul alive in every rev-matched downshift."
- 2008: Abarth 500 base (135bhp, 7.9s 0-62mph).
- 2012: 595 introduction (143bhp, enhanced exhaust options).
- 2016: Facelift with 17-inch alloys, digital dash on Turismo.
- 2024: Final petrol 595 Competizione (178bhp, Akrapovic variants).
Performance Specs Breakdown
Raw numbers position the base Abarth 500 at 135-160bhp depending on series, hitting 62mph in 7.9 seconds and topping 130mph, while the 595 lineup spans 143bhp (7.8s) to 178bhp (6.7s), peaking at 140mph. Fuel economy hovers around 40mpg combined for manuals, with CO2 at 139g/km, making both viable for daily urban blasts despite their track credentials. Real-world tests by Evo magazine on March 18, 2024, confirmed the Competizione's mid-range punch equates to hot-hatch rivals like Fiesta ST.
| Spec | Abarth 500 Base | Abarth 595 Base | Abarth 595 Competizione |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (bhp) | 135 | 143 | 178 |
| Torque (Nm) | 206 | 206 | 250 |
| 0-62mph (s) | 7.9 | 7.8 | 6.7 |
| Top Speed (mph) | 130 | 131 | 140 |
| Weight (kg) | 1035 | 1035 | 1095 |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 41.5 | 41.5 | 39.2 |
| Price (New, 2018 est. EUR) | 8000 | 8500 | 12000 |
Automated manuals add 0.2 seconds to sprints but smooth city driving, per RAC Drive tests dated August 19, 2025. These figures, derived from Euro NCAP-aligned WLTP cycles introduced in 2017, underscore minimal gaps that fuel endless forum debates.
- Compare power-to-weight: 500 at 130bhp/tonne vs 595 Competizione's 162bhp/tonne.
- Factor turbo spool: Both hit peak torque by 3000rpm, but 595's recalibrated ECU shaves 0.1s in-gear.
- Test braking: 595's Brembos halt from 60mph in 33m vs 500's 35m.
- Assess top-end pull: 140mph feels attainable on autobahns, per Reddit user logs from 2024.
Handling Dynamics
Both models excel in cornering prowess, leveraging a 2300mm wheelbase and 50:50 balance for 1.1g lateral grip on stock Pirellis. The 595's Koni shocks and 17-inch wheels (vs 500's 16s) reduce body roll by 15%, enabling 0.92g on wet Skid Pan tests at Millbrook Proving Ground, October 2023. Driver feedback emphasizes the 595's sharper turn-in, though the 500's lighter nose feels more playful in hairpins.
"The 595 Competizione punches hardest mid-range, willing to the redline-feels good for its numbers," noted Evo's reviewer post-2024 track day.
Chassis tweaks post-2016 include stiffer rear torsion beams (+20% torsional rigidity), praised in Auto Express's 2018 long-term test for erasing the 500's noted firmness over Amsterdam cobbles.
Trim and Pricing Guide
Trim levels differentiate value: Base 595 at €22,000 new (2023) offers Monza exhaust optional, Turismo adds leather for €25,000, while Competizione's €32,000 brings Sabelt buckets and Esseesse kit. Used 500s from 2015 average €12,500 on AutoScout24 as of May 2026, versus €18,000 for low-mile 595s-depreciation favors the older model by 25% over three years. Special editions like 695 Rivale (178bhp, Akrapovic) command €35,000 premiums for rarity.
- Base: Essential hot hatch, 143bhp.
- Trofeo/Turismo: 158bhp, luxury touches, 7.3s sprint.
- Competizione: 178bhp flagship, track-focused.
- Specials: 695 series, exhaust upgrades.
Real-World Ownership
Annual servicing costs €450 at Abarth dealers, with 595's Garrett turbo warranty extended to 5 years/100,000km since 2022 policy update. Reliability stats from WarrantyDirect (2024 report) show 92% fault-free first three years for both, turbo failures at 3% versus rivals' 7%. Fuel costs in NL: €1,800/year at 15,000km, per ANWB data May 2026.
| Aspect | Abarth 500 | Abarth 595 |
|---|---|---|
| Service Interval | 10,000km | 10,000km |
| Insurance Group (UK) | 28 | 32 |
| Boot Space (L) | 185/610 | 185/610 |
| NCAP Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars |
Track Test Insights
At Monza Circuit, July 15, 2024, a stock 595 Competizione lapped 1:32.5 versus tuned 500's 1:35.2, per Abarth Corse data. Mid-range from 40-80mph favors 595 by 1.2s, critical for overtakes. Owner mods like Esseesse kits (€3,500) boost either to 190bhp reliably.
Historical races: 2010 Abarth 500 Rally won Italian titles; 595 series dominated 2023 Trofeo Abarth with 25 podiums.
Market Verdict
In 2026's EV shift, petrol 595s hold value better (+12% YoY per HPI Index), appealing to collectors. For NL buyers, 595's facelift aesthetics and power edge justify €3,000 premium over tidy 500s on Marktplaats.
- Budget under €15k: 2015 500 base.
- Track days: 595 Competizione.
- Daily fun: Turismo for comfort.
- Fanatics: 695 special with Monza roar.
Forced induction magic and sub-tonne agility make both legends, closer in performance feel than specs suggest-perfect for B-roads or city scrambles.
Everything you need to know about Abarth 500 Vs 595 Which One Actually Wins
Which is faster, 500 or 595?
The 595 Competizione is faster at 6.7s 0-62mph versus the base 500's 7.9s, but entry 595 matches closely at 7.8s, making differences subjective in daily use.
Is 595 worth the upgrade cost?
Yes for enthusiasts seeking 178bhp and superior brakes; no if base thrills suffice, as used 500s save €5,000 with 95% similar feel.
What gearbox options exist?
Both offer 5-speed manuals standard; optional automated manual adds convenience but 0.2s slower sprints.
How reliable are these models?
Excellent, with 92% reliability per 2024 WarrantyDirect, low turbo issues thanks to 2017 ECU updates.