2008 Best Car Series: (Round 3) FIAT 500 vs Aston Martin DB9

[nd 4 holden spd]

You should learn to read more carefully. I was showing you how I reasoned the 500 is a fun car to drive based on a similar vehicle that I have a lot of experience with. Although as it was pointed out, reviews favour the MINI's handling to the 500's. I still say though that the 500 would be just as fun as the MINI despite not having as good of handling.

===

Oh I just noticed that over the night the 500 pulled ahead....yes, yes, yes!!!!

You should learn to post more clearly.

 

[Joey D]

You should learn to post more clearly.

You asked why I thought the 500 was a fun car, I reasoned through it by comparing how it would probably drive based on the similarly classes MINI, which I own. My car is fun to drive, but based on the 500 being a better package I said that the 500 is probably more fun, thus being a fun car.

I wasn't posting anything unclear, other members got it just fine, mainly Famine. You wanted to know how I arrived at a conclusion, which is fair enough, so I obliged and told you how.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

You asked why I thought the 500 was a fun car, I reasoned through it by comparing how it would probably drive based on the similarly classes MINI, which I own. My car is fun to drive, but based on the 500 being a better package I said that the 500 is probably more fun, thus being a fun car.

I wasn't posting anything unclear, other members got it just fine, mainly Famine. You wanted to know how I arrived at a conclusion, which is fair enough, so I obliged and told you how.

The confusion arose here from the post of mine you quoted, where I asked how a Fiat 500 could be more fun than a DB9, to which you responded by talking about the 500's attributes, a brief mention of the Mini, then saying you imagined the 500 would be more fun to drive (keeping in mind I posed the question of how a 500 could be more fun than a DB9).

 

[Famine]

Let me ask you this Famine, if I'm on a public road in the middle of the country in Australia with not a single person, car, or building for hundreds of kms and I sit around and have a little bit of fun in my car, is that still considered hoonery?

If a tree falls in the forest, but no-one is around to hear it, does it still make a noise?

At 20% throttle the DB9 will still be faster than the Fiat at 100% probably

Throttle != speed.

I think you guys under-estimate how fun rapid acceleration can be

Not at all. Need I remind you that I have occasional rides in a car capable of sub-3s 0-60mph times?

But accelerating from rest and driving in a straight line make up about 5-10% of any journey I do and there's nowhere every-day I can even use all 225hp of the ST. But bends... there's a lot of them. Good chassis and lively suspension set-ups outweigh brute force.

 

[Moglet]

This is getting mental.

I'm not going to get involved since I drive a Fiat 500 so my view will be biased, but I can understand what people are saying about the power. I can take my car onto city streets, A roads or dual carriageways and have fun chucking it into corners at silly speeds. The grin that spreads across my face as it rolls, but continues to grip, is massive. And then it gets bigger as the back end skips out of line and back in again.

If I did that in the Aston I'd write off a £130,000 sports car! It's nice to have a quick 0-60 time but then once you're up to that speed you have to be so careful it would worry me. Once my car is up tp 60 the only decisions I have to make are wether to have the air con on or not.

I'm tempted to get someone to film me driving the 500 quickly on winding roads, just so a few people can see how fun it really can be, because a few people are acting like it's a slow boring hatchback when it's a nippy little nutter really!

EDIT: I made a video of me revving it up, you can tell Fiat were aiming for a fun car when the engine note sounds like this on a standard 1.2;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVFc2OPA41M

The 1.3 Diesel is fairly loud if you push it, too.

EDIT 2: The sound from the outside is odd, really high pitched;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFWyyT0mdgQ

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

This is getting mental.

I'm not going to get involved since I drive a Fiat 500 so my view will be biased, but I can understand what people are saying about the power. I can take my car onto city streets, A roads or dual carriageways and have fun chucking it into corners at silly speeds. The grin that spreads across my face as it rolls, but continues to grip, is massive. And then it gets bigger as the back end skips out of line and back in again.

If I did that in the Aston I'd write off a £130,000 sports car! It's nice to have a quick 0-60 time but then once you're up to that speed you have to be so careful it would worry me. Once my car is up tp 60 the only decisions I have to make are wether to have the air con on or not.

I'm tempted to get someone to film me driving the 500 quickly on winding roads, just so a few people can see how fun it really can be, because a few people are acting like it's a slow boring hatchback when it's a nippy little nutter really!

EDIT: I made a video of me revving it up, you can tell Fiat were aiming for a fun car when the engine note sounds like this on a standard 1.2;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVFc2OPA41M

The 1.3 Diesel is fairly loud if you push it, too.

EDIT 2: The sound from the outside is odd, really high pitched;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFWyyT0mdgQ

Did you even give that half the available revs?

 

[Leonidae]

I'd say he gave it about 3000-5000rpms, and I assume it has redline around 6500.. so yeah, I'd say he gave it plenty of revs.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

I'd say he gave it about 3000-5000rpms, and I assume it has redline around 6500.. so yeah, I'd say he gave it plenty of revs.

It didn't look like the tacho went that high, and 3000rpm out of 6500rpm isn't much of the revs. Make another one and give it a good revving.

 

[Famine]

At rest? Are you mad?

Go find a tunnel instead

 

[homeforsummer]

I think you guys under-estimate how fun rapid acceleration can be, and I still maintain that I can have fun in any corner, in any car, even a GNX which was purpose built for going fast in a straight line, yet I can't have fun in a straight line in any old car without modifications, you need decent power for that.

Yet many of us feel differently. There are quite a few people now in this thread who will wax lyrical about how much fun small cars can be, so getting on your soapbox every time one of these discussions comes along about how small cars or cars without much power can't possibly be more fun than big cars with big engines makes you seem incredibly narrow minded.

As for having fun in the corners in any car, I agree with you. I've not driven a car yet which I haven't been able to have fun in, but then some do definitely come out better than others. My car is pretty good, but it's not a patch on a Mini Cooper like Joey's.

I think part of the trouble here is that none of us have too much experience of the others' road conditions. I'm sure your V6 Holden Ute is great on the sort of roads around you Paul, just as I'm lucky to have a nimble little Fiesta living near some great country and moorland roads in Yorkshire, Famine the same in his MX5, MX3 and ST220, Moglet in his 500 around where he lives etc.

It's very possible a DB9 would be more fun in Oz than it is over here, really, but with UK roads, UK weather and UK traffic conditions the 500 would likely be more fun day-to-day, and probably people like Joey would tell you the same about where he lives.

EDIT 2: The sound from the outside is odd, really high pitched;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFWyyT0mdgQ

Nice vid you found there, I quite like that sound, it sounds like a twin-cylinder two-stroke motorcycle, properly buzzy and revvy like small Fiats should be 👍 I expect bombing up to the redline in each gear is quite a laugh

 

[Moglet]

Did you even give that half the available revs?

The engine is good to 8k, but I only revved it to about 5 at that time since the car was still fairly new at that point.

Over the last few days the engine has really loosened up so I might go give it a thrashing and record it properly too, not on a phone!

 

[Joey D]

It's very possible a DB9 would be more fun in Oz than it is over here, really, but with UK roads, UK weather and UK traffic conditions the 500 would likely be more fun day-to-day, and probably people like Joey would tell you the same about where he lives.

Michigan is sort of a bad example, but yes based on weather, traffic, and roads a smaller car will tend to be better then a big, sports car. I mean you probably could drive a DB9 in the winter but it wouldn't be easy, even with winter tires. Plus a vast majority of owners of high end sports cars will never drive them when there is snow on the ground.

The engine is good to 8k, but I only revved it to about 5 at that time since the car was still fairly new at that point.

Over the last few days the engine has really loosened up so I might go give it a thrashing and record it properly too, not on a phone!

I'd be careful with revving it to much, MINI told me to keep it under 3000rpms til I hit 1800 miles. I don't know how many miles you've done but I would assume your engine is similar.

 

[Moglet]

I was told at the garage that the engines are fine to thrash from the very start, only the Diesels need 500 miles or so to run in. Mine's done around 800 miles now and it's been up to 6,500rpm on most journeys anyway so if it's not too much of a good idea then it's a bit late unfortunately

But I have found a holder thing that will hold my camcorder perfectly within the car, so I'll be filming it soon. It might be a bit shakey though!

 

[Rusty*]

Sounds cool Moglet.
On to the subject of Aston Martin DB9 vs Fiat 500, let me make one thing perfectly clear...It IS impossible to compare these to Cars as one is a general Car and the other is a Supercar, the differnence here is the fact that Aston built the DB9 to appeal to those interested in Supercar's, while Fiat produced the 500 to appeal to those that would prefer something a little more 'Runabout' if you know what I mean. Look at it this way, do you think Fiat is trying to market the 500 to the Supercar market...I don't think so lol! So based on the ABSOLUTE incomparability of the Vehicle's in question, I voted for the DB9, BASED on the fact that it has that 'Supercar charisma'( It's ok to not understnad), that I find most appealing. Also regarding the 'stand on the gas' approach that is automatically stereotyped to those who voted the DB9, I would prefer to drive the DB9 as a Cruizer. The way I see it is, it has a quality of 'Cruizability' which is derived from its smooth lines, Engine Rumble, Sleek stylish interior, and a 'invites you to hop in look'. That 'smoothness' is what makes the DB9 appealing to me, not the fact that it has this or that capability. However the Fiat has got it's merits as being a sweet little ride that has user-friendlyness about it, but if I wanted that kind of Car I would go for something else in it's class. Actually that goes for both Car's, I think there both not the best car in there classes. However as I had to pick one the DB9 got my vote, I think the DB9 would score better in it's class(Cruizer) than the Fiat would in its class(Fun Run-about). Peace out,
Rusty*

 

[YSSMAN]

OI!

Go FIAT!

A possible 500 vs R8 thread (now?), EPIC!

 

[Smallhorses]

Guess it's neck & neck again.

Had to vote for the Aston.

The new Cinquecento, just like it's immediate predecessor is a sell-out in the same way that the New Beetle is a sell-out.
No matter how cute, practical & retro-looking you make them, the engine is in the wrong place to be a true throwback.
As an owner of a RR (rear engined! Not Rolls Royce! ) car, I can see the viewpoint that it's an insane & dangerous place to stick an engine, but boy, is it ever fun?!!!!

The Fiat 500 is just a sheep (Fiat Panda) in cute-cuddly Lamb's clothing to make it more appealing. 👎

The Aston is a wolf in sheeps clothing. Smart, sleek & semi-practical (if expensive) enough to use everyday, but with the potential to be a screaming-banshee of a wild animal whenever the mood takes you!

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Oooohhh, the DB9 is 1 vote ahead with so short to go.

At rest? Are you mad?

Go find a tunnel instead

Uh oh, is there a problem with that? I don't see any reason for that to be bad unless you just started it and the oil hasn't circulated, so go for a drive first.

 

[Casio]

Evened the scores for the cute little 500, it's cooler than the fuddy jag.

 

[Famine]

An engine under load always sounds better than an engine revved at rest. Always.

I should do it with the '3 and '5 one of these days. The '5 has a lovely induction roar... You'd barely recognise it as a 4-pot.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

An engine under load always sounds better than an engine revved at rest. Always.

I should do it with the '3 and '5 one of these days. The '5 has a lovely induction roar... You'd barely recognise it as a 4-pot.

Phew, I thought you were talking about damaging the engine. Yeah, they sound better under load, his 500 sounds OK at rest for a 4-pot though, sounded bad from the outside on that other one though.

 

[MagpieRacer]

DB9, as Famine said it still has wow factor, and I just dont find the 500 appealing, it looks like a fat Micra.

 

[Leonidae]

AAAAH! it's even again! Go Fiat! leave that footballers dream behind!

 

[Moglet]

An engine under load always sounds better than an engine revved at rest. Always.

I'm going for a drive later and filming it so you can hear it then. It seems to be pulling better in 1st than it did a few days ago now too, it's definitely loosening up.

 

[Giancarlo]

The Aston isn't sporty enough for you?

I never said it wasn't.

 

[Beerz]

An engine under load always sounds better than an engine revved at rest. Always.

Too true.

DB9, as Famine said it still has wow factor, and I just dont find the 500 appealing, it looks like a fat Micra.

Don't you mean a small Micra?...


Speaking of sizes, here's how the new one compares to the old one. Doesn't look so small now, does it?

 

[Joey D]

It's the same way with the MINI too. Due to regulations in the EU it would be really hard to get a car that sized passed now. At least that's what I'm told.

 

[Moglet]

What Joey said. It's been made bigger so that it gained that all important 5 star safety rating and became much more practical. I'm told there's more room inside than in a Mini, but I can't see where tbh, they seem about the same to me!

I can't believe how close a battle this was, it should be interesting seeing this and the R8 go head to head in the final. Even though it should have been the GT-R

 

[Jim Prower]

The 500's gonna get run over. too many people impressed by that overpriced Audi. I'd love to see the 500 smear the R8, but I cant' see it happening. too many badge snobs.

 

[Joey D]

What Joey said. It's been made bigger so that it gained that all important 5 star safety rating and became much more practical. I'm told there's more room inside than in a Mini, but I can't see where tbh, they seem about the same to me!

I can't believe how close a battle this was, it should be interesting seeing this and the R8 go head to head in the final. Even though it should have been the GT-R

I think it's the same amount of room.

===

Oh and awesome 500 vs. the R8, I already know which one I'm voting for and it's not the super expensive German car.

 

[Dave A]

The 500 just doesn't appeal to me that much, I can see why people like it and I totally understand the argument about a car not needing power to be fun. I had a 306 TDi and a V5 Bora at the same time not too long ago. The Bora caned the 306 in terms of power and speed but the 306 by far the more fun of the two to drive. day to day, ofcourse just acceleratig quick is fun, but it's very short lived fun. I find much more satisfaction in great corning personally. However I wouldn't argue qwhich is more fun out of the 500 or DB9, the DB9 is a special car indeed, the 500 is well pacakged but it's nothing special in terms of what it offers. There are (as has been said) more fun cars to drive than the 500 that it competes with, but the 500 has bags of personality which you can't dismiss. The DB9 though is to me, the most desirable car currently in production. If you feel like that about a car, then you can argue pro's and con's all day long, it won't make a difference.

If this was the 500 v the R8 I'd vote the 500, but it's not. DB9 all the way.