Abarth 500 Vs 595 Performance Specs In One Glance
- 01. Performance showdown: Abarth 500 vs 595 numbers
- 02. Engine and drivetrain basics
- 03. Key performance numbers laid out
- 04. Braking, handling, and weight differences
- 05. Fuel use, running costs, and efficiency
- 06. Buying perspective: 500 versus 595
- 07. Historical context and enthusiast appeal
- 08. Detailed spec comparison in everyday terms
- 09. How to interpret the numbers when choosing a model
- 10. Final thoughts on performance character
Performance showdown: Abarth 500 vs 595 numbers
The Abarth 500 uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing about 135 hp and 180 Nm, good for roughly 7.9 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of around 205 km/h. The Abarth 595 keeps the same 1.4-liter engine layout but tunes it harder, delivering about 145 hp and 206 Nm torque, shaving 0.1 second off the 0-100 km/h sprint and pushing the top speed to roughly 210 km/h. In straight performance terms, the 595 is the sharper, more aggressive driver's car, while the 500 remains a lighter, slightly thriftier hot-hatch compromise.
Engine and drivetrain basics
Engine architecture is identical at the core: both models are based on Fiat's 1.4-liter turbocharged T-Jet four-cylinder, with 1368 cc displacement, an inline-four configuration, and 16 valves. The Abarth 500 is typically tuned to about 135 hp (around 99 kW) and 180 Nm of torque, with boost and ignition maps calibrated for a balance of responsiveness and everyday usability. The Abarth 595 steps up to about 145 hp (118-119 kW) and 206 Nm, using revised turbo mapping, intake tuning, and exhaust flow to sharpen throttle response and mid-range punch.
Transmission and drive are front-wheel drive and manual-only in most markets, with a six-speed manual gearbox slotted inboard for a compact, lightweight layout. The relationship between engine torque and final-drive ratio is tuned so both models feel eager from 2,500 rpm, but the 595's extra torque and higher-rpm power peak (around 5,500 rpm) make overtaking and short-shifted runs feel more decisive. In practice this means the 595 can exploit its extra grunt without needing to rev as hard, reducing the perception of strain in daily driving.
Key performance numbers laid out
Acceleration and top speed are where the numerical split between 500 and 595 becomes clear. Independent test data and manufacturer-linked tables list the Abarth 500 at about 7.9 seconds for 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph), with a top speed just under 205 km/h. The Abarth 595 matches the same 1.4-liter engine family but hits roughly 7.8 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 210 km/h, reflecting the extra 10 hp and 26 Nm.
| Model | Engine | Power (hp/PS) | Torque (Nm) | 0-100 km/h (s) | Top speed (km/h) | Curb weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abarth 500 | 1.4-L turbo I-4 | 135 hp | 180 Nm | 7.9 | 205 | 1,035 |
| Abarth 595 | 1.4-L turbo I-4 | 145 hp | 206 Nm | 7.8 | 210 | 1,100 |
| Abarth 595 Turismo | 1.4-L turbo I-4 | 160 hp | 230 Nm | 7.3 | 215 | 1,100 |
| Abarth 595 Competizione | 1.4-L turbo I-4 | 180 hp | 250 Nm | 6.7 | 225 | 1,110 |
This evolution ladder shows how performance spec scales within the 595 family: the Turismo and Competizione variants push the same 1.4-liter base much harder, with torque climbing to 230-250 Nm and 0-100 km/h compressing from 7.8 down to 6.7 seconds. These figures position the Competizione very close to mini-supercar territory for a 1.1-ton city car, with a top speed of 225 km/h and power-to-weight ratios dipping toward 6.2 hp per kg.
Braking, handling, and weight differences
Curb weight is a critical factor in the 500-595 comparison; manufacturer-linked data list the 500 at about 1,035 kg and the 595 around 1,100 kg, an increase of roughly 65 kg. This extra mass is partly trim and sound-insulation, but also stronger braking hardware and more supportive suspension components, particularly on higher-spec 595 trims like the Competizione.
Braking performance benefits from larger ventilated discs, more aggressive pad compounds, and in some 595 variants Brembo-branded calipers, which help keep fade at bay during repeated hard stops. Independent road tests of the 595 Competizione note a noticeable improvement in brake feel and pedal accuracy over the 500, especially on track-oriented runs. Combined with lower-profile tyres and slightly firmer suspension, the 595's extra weight is offset by significantly higher ultimate grip and cornering stability.
Fuel use, running costs, and efficiency
Fuel economy figures for both cars are modest by today's standards, with the Abarth manuals typically returning in the low-to-mid 5-6 L/100 km on mixed routes, depending on engine tune and tyre choice. The Abarth 500, with its slightly lower power and torque, usually edges the 595 by a small margin in real-world tests, but differences are marginal-often within 0.2-0.4 L/100 km.
Running costs are broadly similar, though the 595's more aggressive exhaust note and sportier exhaust hardware can raise servicing and component-replacement costs over time, especially if owners track the car frequently. Insurance premiums for both 500 and 595 sit in the same relatively high bracket, because insurers treat the 1.4-liter turbo Abarth as a performance sub-compact, regardless of whether it's badged "500" or "595."
Buying perspective: 500 versus 595
Market positioning in recent years has shifted the 595 firmly toward the enthusiast driver, while the 500 serves buyers who want Fiat-500 charm with a noticeable step up in performance over the base Fiat. If the priority is outright on-road pace and track-day potential, the 595-especially Turismo or Competizione-wins easily, thanks to greater torque, more power, and better hardware.
Practical compromises with the 595 include a firmer ride, louder exhaust, and higher purchase price versus the 500, even before factoring in used-market premiums paid by enthusiasts. The 500, in contrast, offers a sweeter blend of daily usability and spirited performance, making it better suited to owners who treat the car as both a city commuter and weekend toy rather than a weekend-only track weapon.
Historical context and enthusiast appeal
Historical lineage of the modern Abarth 500 and 595 traces back to the 2008 reintroduction of the Fiat 500, with Abarth's tuned version launching soon after as a halo performance model. By 2013, the 595 badge was established as a sub-line emphasizing maximum power and motorsport-inspired tuning, mirroring the old 595 "Essesesse" sprint name used on classic 500 sport models.
Enthusiast communities often rate the 595 Competizione and 695 variants as the most desirable, citing their track-ready suspension setups, Brembo brakes, and sharper exhaust notes. However, the 500 remains popular among owners who value originality and lighter weight, especially early-series cars with the 135 hp tune that preceded the 595's more aggressive calibrations.
Detailed spec comparison in everyday terms
- The Abarth 500 focuses on accessible hot-hatch performance: 135 hp lets it outpace most ordinary superminis without feeling over-committed.
- The Abarth 595 pushes that same 1.4-liter powerplant harder, turning the car into a proper pocket rocket with noticeably stronger mid-range and more aggressive throttle response.
- Real-world differences emerge most in short-gear situations-overtaking, hill climbs, and quick-lane changes-where the 595's extra 26 Nm makes the car feel more confident and less stressed.
- Both models share the same compact, nimble chassis and compact repair footprint, which helps keep parts costs more predictable than typical performance coupes.
- For someone shopping between 500 and 595, the decision often comes down to whether they want "sporty convenience" (500) versus "track-leaning hot hatch" (595).
How to interpret the numbers when choosing a model
- Start with your primary use case: city commuting versus weekend spirited driving or occasional track days; the Abarth 500 suits the former, the 595 the latter.
- Check the specific engine tune and trim; a 595 Competizione with 180 hp and 250 Nm will feel drastically sharper than a base 595 or 500.
- Compare curb weight and equipment levels; higher-spec 595s carry more kit and stronger hardware, which can slightly increase fuel use and servicing costs.
- Inspect suspension and brake specs; models with Brembo brakes, Koni dampers, or track-oriented tyres will offer better real-world grip and braking than early 500s.
- Finally, take a test drive focused on throttle response and steering feel, as the 595's extra torque and firmer chassis translate into a more connected driving experience than the relatively softer 500.
Final thoughts on performance character
Performance character between the two is best understood as a spectrum: the Abarth 500 is the "gentle" hot hatch, quick enough to be fun but mild enough for daily comfort, while the 595 is the focused, harder-edge evolution of that same formula. When cross-referenced with published spec tables and independent test data, the 595's 0.1-second gain in 0-100 km/h and extra 5 km/h of top speed are supported by measurable improvements in torque, braking, and suspension hardware.
For buyers drilling into the Abarth 500 versus 595 decision, the numbers clearly show that the 595 is the stronger performance proposition, but the
What are the most common questions about Performance Specs Abarth 500 Vs 595?
What is the main difference in performance between the Abarth 500 and 595?
The main performance difference is that the Abarth 595 adds about 10 hp and 26 Nm over the 500, dropping the 0-100 km/h time from roughly 7.9 to 7.8 seconds and raising top speed from 205 km/h to 210 km/h, on the same 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder platform. This extra torque and slightly higher power peak make the 595 feel more urgent in everyday driving and give top-spec Competizione variants a clearly harder-edged, track-focused character.
Is the Abarth 595 faster than the 500 on a track?
Yes, the Abarth 595 is generally faster than the 500 on a track, especially in Competizione or Turismo trims, thanks to higher power, more torque, and better braking and suspension hardware. Independent performance tests show the Competizione slicing roughly 1.2 seconds off the 500's 0-100 km/h time and sustaining higher average cornering speeds, which translates into significantly quicker lap times when driven to the limit.
Which engine do both Abarth 500 and 595 share?
Both the Abarth 500 and 595 share the same fundamental 1.4-liter turbocharged T-Jet four-cylinder engine, with 1368 cc displacement, an inline-four layout, and 16 valves. The difference is in tune and ancillaries: the 595 uses revised turbo mapping, exhaust tuning, and calibration to extract more power and torque while retaining the same basic engine architecture.
Is the Abarth 595 more practical than the 500 for daily use?
In raw practicality, the 595 is not meaningfully more practical than the 500; both are three-door city cars with the same compact footprint and limited rear-seat space. However, the 595's firmer suspension and louder exhaust can make it less comfortable on poor roads, while the 500's slightly softer tune and lower price point often make it the better daily-use option for most owners.
Are acceleration figures different between early and later 595 models?
Yes, acceleration figures diverge across 595 generations and trim levels; early 595 units deliver about 145 hp and a 7.8-second 0-100 km/h run, while Turismo and Competizione models push output to 160-180 hp and cut the sprint to 7.3 and 6.7 seconds respectively. These phases reflect Abarth's strategy of evolving the 1.4-liter platform over the years, so buyers should always check the specific model year and trim when comparing 595 performance.