If you're looking for a stylish, compact car with Italian flair, the Abarth 500e and Fiat 500 are likely on your radar. While they share the same basic design language, they have been created for distinct purposes.
The Fiat 500 is a chic, sensible city car built for efficient urban driving and easy manoeuvrability, available with petrol power throughout its long production run. The Abarth 500e, on the other hand, is a fully electric hot hatch with aggressive styling, wider tracks, and even a synthetic engine sound. Both offer plenty of Italian charm, but which of these compact cars is the right fit for you?
Abarth 500e vs Fiat 500
Practicality
Abarth 500e practicality score: 2/5
Fiat 500 practicality score: 3/5
When it comes to space, neither of these cars is a class leader, but they do the job for city living. The Fiat 500 offers a 185-litre boot, which is enough for a couple of soft weekend bags or a modest grocery shop. If you opt for the convertible version, you'll find the boot opening is smaller and slightly more awkward to use.
The Fiat 500 is fine for two adults up front, thanks to a driving position with a good amount of adjustment. However, rear space is cramped, and getting into the back seats is a bit of a squeeze. The Abarth 500e is even less practical because its chunkier, sportier front seats eat into the already limited rear legroom. If you regularly carry passengers, the Fiat edges it, but both are best treated as two-seaters for the majority of the time.
Driving Impressions
Abarth 500e driving score: 4/5
Fiat 500 driving score: 3/5
The Fiat 500 is nippy and well-suited for muddling through heavy urban traffic. Its steering is light but precise, making it easy to park and manoeuvre. It feels composed on faster roads, too, though the ride can be a bit lumpy over scruffy surfaces. The petrol engines offer adequate performance for city driving, though they can feel strained on motorways.
The Abarth 500e turns the dial up with a 152bhp electric motor, wider tracks, and revised suspension. It feels sharper and more connected to the road, making it genuinely fun on a twisty route. It also features an extrovert 'Abarth Sound Generator' that mimics a petrol engine, which adds character but can get a bit tiresome on longer motorway trips. While the Abarth is the more engaging driver's car, the Fiat is slightly more relaxing for the daily commute.
Technology and Equipment
Abarth 500e technology and equipment score: 4/5
Fiat 500 technology and equipment score: 3/5
The Abarth 500e offers a smart, modern interior with good levels of technology. It features a 10.25-inch infotainment system complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 7.0-inch digital driver's display. Standard equipment is generous, including LED headlights and a JBL audio system, while higher trims add luxuries like Alcantara interior finishes and a 360-degree camera.
The Fiat 500, being an older design produced between 2008 and 2020, has more basic technology. Earlier models came with simple audio systems, though later versions gained a 7-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity. The interior feels dated compared to the Abarth, but it retains a charming retro character that many buyers appreciate. Both brands offer a convertible option, which is a rare and appealing feature in this segment.
Running Costs
Abarth 500e running costs score: 3/5
Fiat 500 running costs score: 4/5
The Fiat 500 is one of the more affordable cars on the market, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. The petrol engines return reasonable fuel economy for a city car, and insurance and servicing costs are typically low. Parts are widely available and repairs are generally straightforward.
The Abarth 500e is noticeably more expensive to buy, though its electric powertrain means fuel costs can be minimal if you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff. Its official range of 164 miles translates to around 120 to 140 miles in the real world, which is adequate for urban use. While it benefits from cheap company car tax rates, the higher purchase price makes it harder to justify purely on a financial basis compared to the petrol Fiat.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Abarth 500e |
Fiat 500 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
3 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.4 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
34.1% |
33.2% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
4.1 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Abarth 500e Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3/5
Fiat 500 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1/5
Both of these cars prove that small Italian vehicles don't have to be boring. They are stylish, full of character, and offer an enjoyable driving experience in their own distinct ways.
Based on our CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Abarth 500e is the winner. It takes the victory thanks to its higher expert rating, strong user reviews, and the best percentage of good and great deals available on the used market. It represents a more modern proposition with its electric powertrain and advanced technology.
The Fiat 500 remains a charming and affordable city car that will appeal to buyers seeking low running costs and a proven, simple formula. Its higher user rating reflects genuine owner satisfaction over many years. However, the Abarth 500e's blend of electric efficiency, engaging driving dynamics, and contemporary features makes it the stronger choice for buyers looking for something more exciting.
Abarth 500e Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Cute looks and undeniable Abarth charm |
Limited real-world electric range |
| Great fun to drive |
Not very practical |
| Smart and high-quality interior |
Still expensive compared with some rivals |
Fiat 500 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable to buy and run |
Lumpy and unsettled ride |
| Charming retro styling |
Cramped rear seats |
| Easy to manoeuvre in town |
Dated technology on older models |
*The Overall CarGurus rating that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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