Abarth 500 Vs 595: What Really Sets Them Apart
Abarth 500 vs 595: what really sets them apart
The Abarth 500 and Abarth 595 share the same Fiat 500 platform but differ in engine output, trim levels, equipment, and model positioning, with the 595 generally acting as a more powerful, better-equipped successor to the earlier 500. In practice, a buyer choosing between the two will typically trade a slightly softer spec and older styling on the 500 for the 595's extra power, upgraded suspension and interior, and newer digital features.
Origins and model timeline
The Abarth 500 debuted in the late-2000s as the first factory-hot version of the retro-stylish Fiat 500, using a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine tuned to around 135-140 horsepower depending on market and year. By roughly 2016-2017, Fiat Abarth introduced the Abarth 595 as the next "series" of the model, incorporating a facelifted front and rear bumper, revised chassis, and a more aggressive stance while retaining the same wheelbase and basic body shell.
From the mid-2010s onward, the lineup shifted so that the 595 effectively replaced the 500 in many markets, with the "500 Abarth" name becoming a trim or generation label rather than a stand-alone model. This means that in used-car segments today, a 500 Abarth is often the older generation while a 595 signifies a newer, slightly more evolved version with higher tune options such as the Turismo, Competizione, Esseesse, and special 695 editions.
Engine and performance differences
The core mechanical difference lies in the engine output and how the 1.4-litre turbo is tuned. Early Abarth 500 models typically offered around 135-140 horsepower, while the basic Abarth 595 climbed to roughly 145-160 horsepower depending on market and trim, with Competizione and Esseesse variants pushing close to 175-180 horsepower in manual-gearbox form.
Owners driving both back-to-back often report that the 595's higher horsepower feels "fast" rather than "peppy," especially above 3,500 rpm, thanks to revised turbo mapping and exhaust tuning such as the Record Monza system on higher trims. Outside of Competizione-grade 595s, however, the real-world 0-60 mph gap between a well-tuned 500 and an equivalent 595 is often only about 0.3-0.6 seconds, because weight and gearing remain very similar.
Here's an illustrative performance table comparing representative trims (data approximated for clarity):
| Model / Trim | Engine Output (hp) | 0-60 mph (approx.) | Styling / Tech Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abarth 500 (base) | 135-140 hp | 7.8-8.2 s | Older bumpers, analog dash |
| Abarth 595 (base) | 140-145 hp | 7.5-7.8 s | Facelifted bumpers |
| Abarth 595 Turismo | 160-163 hp | 6.9-7.2 s | Leather seats, KONI/FSD |
| Abarth 595 Competizione | 175-180 hp | 6.4-6.7 s | Race-style seats, full aero |
Real-world fuel economy for the 595 is typically in the mid-40 mpg range on the official cycle, with city-only use dropping closer to 30 mpg, while older 500s often sit about 1-3 mpg lower due to less aggressive eco-tuning and slightly older hardware.
Chassis, suspension, and handling
Under the skin, the chassis upgrades are one of the most tangible reasons why newer 595s feel more focused than older 500s. Many 595 Turismo and Competizione models came standard with KONI frequency-selective damping (FSD) or similar adjustable dampers, whereas base 500s stuck with softer, more comfort-oriented springs and shocks.
Higher-spec 595 variants often added larger front brake discs, drilled or vented rotors, and multi-piston calipers, which improved fade resistance and pedal feel during spirited driving. Drivers who have compared a base 500 Abarth with a 595 Competizione report that the 595 feels more planted through fast corners, with less body roll and sharper turn-in, though at the cost of a more fidgety ride over rough urban roads.
- First gen Abarth 500: softer suspension, comfort-biased damping, smaller wheels (16") on base trims.
- Base Abarth 595: mildly stiffer springs, slightly firmer damping, but still manageable for daily use.
- Turismo / Competizione 595: performance suspension, larger wheels (17"), sticky tires, and track-oriented braking.
Interior, comfort, and equipment
The interior equipment is another major differentiator between the 500 and the 595, especially in markets where Fiat gradually upgraded the 595 line with more modern features. Entry-level 500s often came with manual air conditioning, basic cloth seats, and a smaller analog instrument cluster, while 595 Turismo and above typically added automatic climate control, leather or leather-trimmed seats, and an updated audio head unit.
Modern 595s also introduced a digital instrument cluster, extra connectivity options (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on later facelifts), and more elaborate trim choices, including two-tone paint schemes and bespoke stitching. On the flip side, some owners note that the 500's simpler cabin feels less cluttered and more "analog," which can be appealing for purists who value lightweight, uncluttered driving over high-tech gadgetry.
- Typical 500 features: basic audio, manual AC, fabric seats, simpler steering wheel.
- 595 standard upgrades: larger alloys, better upholstery, improved steering wheel and dials.
- Performance trims: racing seats, leather dash inserts, premium audio, extra driving modes.
Pricing and depreciation trends
On the used market, the Abarth 500 is typically priced 10-20 percent lower than a comparable-age 595, reflecting its older generation, slightly lower spec, and perception as a "first-wave" hot hatch. Higher-trim 595s, particularly Turismo and Competizione models with low mileage and full service history, have held their value better, with some European brokers reporting that Esseesse and 695 special editions can retain 65-70 percent of list price over five years, versus 55-60 percent for a base 500.
For budget-conscious buyers, this price gap can be enough to take a neglected 595 with a known service history and upgrade it to 500-Esseesse-equivalent spec, whereas a 500 offers a more "blank-sheet" project feel. Depreciation curves also show that cars originally sold under the 595 badge tend to depreciate slightly more slowly in markets where the 500 has faded from showroom floors, simply because they appear more modern and desirable.
Key concerns and solutions for Abarth 500 Vs 595 What Really Sets Them Apart
Is the Abarth 500 just a cheaper 595?
The Abarth 500 is not simply a "cheaper" 595; it is an earlier generation of the same hot hatch lineage, with a slightly less powerful engine and older styling and tech. In many cases it also offers a more relaxed ride and simpler interior, which some buyers prefer over the 595's performance-oriented setup.
Does the 595 handle better than the 500?
Yes, but the gap depends on trim. A base 595 with standard suspension isn't dramatically better than a 500 "Esseesse"-level setup, but a 595 Turismo or Competizione with KONI-style dampers, larger wheels, and track-oriented brakes will typically feel more precise and composed at higher speeds. Over poor road surfaces, the 500 may feel more comfortable, while the 595 trades a bit of compliance for sharper steering response.
Are 595s more reliable than 500s?
Reliability is broadly similar because both use the same 1.4-litre turbo engine and closely related drivetrain components, though later 595s benefit from minor software updates and refined cooling layouts. Owners' forums and long-term surveys suggest that common issues-such as turbo wastegate glitches, exhaust manifold cracking, and electronics quirks-appear in both generations, but the 595 line tends to have slightly better dealer support and parts availability in regions where it was sold more recently.
Which is better for track days: 500 or 595?
For track use, a 595 Competizione or Esseesse is generally the better choice thanks to more power, larger brakes, and track-oriented suspension, even though the older 500 can be upgraded with aftermarket parts. A raft of owners and club racers report that the 595's higher-spec trims put down torque more consistently and cope better with repeated braking, though the 500 remains a popular "budget track toy" because it is often cheaper to buy and insure.
How do the 500 and 595 compare to rivals like the Fiesta ST or MINI Cooper S?
Against rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST or MINI Cooper S, both the 500 and 595 sit at the smaller, more playful end of the hot-hatch spectrum, trading outright grip and cargo space for size, weight, and character. In objective performance terms, a 595 Competizione can match or slightly exceed a base Fiesta ST in 0-60 mph but may fall short in high-speed stability and limited rear-seat utility.
Should I buy a 500 or a 595 for daily use?
For a mixed daily-use role, a 595 with a moderate trim level (such as base or Turismo) is usually the better all-rounder, offering a bit more power, more refined interior, and generally newer mechanical and electrical components. However, if you prioritize comfort over sharpness and want to keep purchase and running costs lower, a well-maintained 500 Abarth can still be an enjoyable urban runabout that doesn't punish you on rough roads.
Do both cars share the same maintenance schedule?
Yes; both the Abarth 500 and Abarth 595 follow the same core maintenance schedule centered on the 1.4-litre turbo engine, with oil-and-filter changes every 10,000-12,000 miles and major inspections every 40,000-48,000 miles depending on the market and owner's use. Service networks and parts catalogs treat them as part of the same family, so many workshops will quote the same labor rates for common jobs such as brake overhauls, suspension replacement, and exhaust work.
Is the 595 worth the premium over the 500?
For enthusiasts who value extra power, updated styling, and better-spec interiors, the 595 usually justifies its price premium over the 500, especially in Turismo and Competizione form. However, for those who enjoy tuning or restoring a car themselves, the older 500 can be a more rewarding base because it is cheaper to buy and simpler to modify, while still offering Abarth's signature exhaust bark and compact handling character.