Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Discussion of other cars non-Z4
Post Reply
Sgreen
Member
Member
Posts: 385
Joined: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:03 pm

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Sgreen » Sun Oct 07, 2018 10:34 pm

Hi all,

Looking for people's opinions on the Abarth Turismo v Fiesta ST. I have just started a new role which has a company car cash allowance. Now whilst I could put my E89 35is on the company insurance that's not going to happen as I don't want to lose my NCB and also i want to keep as my special toy :D .

However keeping the Z4 restricts what cars I can look at for a company car because of the space I will have left on the drive. (We already have 3 cars, 320d belonging to the other half as his business car, the Z4 and old school NSX).

So my criteria is small car, fun to drive but good over long distances (i.e. The odd journeys that take 5/6 hours to get to my destination).

I have the Abarth and Fiesta ST short listed. On test drives the Abarth is nippy and a hoot, but I am unsure about comfort of the seats over distance. The Fiesta also fun and well appointed inside, as well as planted, however I had a Fiesta titanium several years ago and it was full of electrical issues (including melting the master fuse at only 1 year old) and the dealership service department were awful and really couldn't care less.

Does anyone have any experience of either car that they would be willing to share?
Supra twin turbo, great in a straight, rubbish around twistys
NSX, pretty cool but no heated seats and can't get top down
Z4 23i sdrive, now gone, got the wrong car, need more power.
Z4 35is loved and missed
Z4 M40i one word sums it up Wow!

User avatar
Ewazix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4721
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Somerset

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Ewazix » Mon Oct 08, 2018 7:54 am

The new fiesta is a great drivers car, it also feels like a mid-size car on the road capable of doing journeys in reasonable comfort, I'm 6'2" and headroom is OK but seat size could be an issue if you are a very big fella. I haven't driven the Abarth but a mate swapped his out after a few months as he couldn't live with the crashy ride and wayward antics of the front end on poor surfaces or in the wet (and he's a proper petrol head).

Having said all that I would check out the actual dimensions of something like a new Fiesta compared to other contenders you might have considered, 'small' cars ain't so small any more! The Fiesta is less than a foot (28cm) shorter than something like a Golf where as the Abarth is a full 1/2 meter shorter than the Fiesta, so a different size class all together.

Choices :)
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost

User avatar
MACK
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3600
Joined: Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:38 am
Location: Manchester

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by MACK » Mon Oct 08, 2018 8:56 am

Ewazix wrote: Mon Oct 08, 2018 7:54 am The new fiesta is a great drivers car, it also feels like a mid-size car on the road capable of doing journeys in reasonable comfort, I'm 6'2" and headroom is OK but seat size could be an issue if you are a very big fella. I haven't driven the Abarth but a mate swapped his out after a few months as he couldn't live with the crashy ride and wayward antics of the front end on poor surfaces or in the wet (and he's a proper petrol head).

Having said all that I would check out the actual dimensions of something like a new Fiesta compared to other contenders you might have considered, 'small' cars ain't so small any more! The Fiesta is less than a foot (28cm) shorter than something like a Golf where as the Abarth is a full 1/2 meter shorter than the Fiesta, so a different size class all together.

Choices :)
+1 all of the above really. My choice would be the Fiesta all day long. If you think your previous experience owning a Fiesta was bad it will pale into insignificance if you buy a Fiat! :rofl:
Completely agree on the sizing of cars these days, you may well be surprised what actually fits on the drive. That said I would still probably opt for a Fiesta over say a Focus if you dont need the space. Apart from the obvious cost savings etc the slightly smaller/lighter car is going to feel a bit more agile on the road etc
Silver 05 3.0i SE
Mods inc - F/L Xenons Clear Ind Rear Lights M Sport Seats & Wheel Eibach/B4 3.64 DIFF (SOLD)

White E89 20i M Sport
Mods inc- B12 kit, M3 Arms, 18" Zito 935's with PS4's, Decat & Remap, Switchable Exhaust Flap (SOLD)

User avatar
coupedan
Member
Member
Posts: 437
Joined: Sun Jan 26, 2014 3:37 pm
Location: West Berkshire

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by coupedan » Mon Oct 08, 2018 9:03 am

I was thinking the same thing - my friend has a Fiesta ST and we have done some long journeys in that which has been relatively comfortable.
The Abarth was on my shortlist but purely as a fun little runaround, not for doing mega long drives in - I also wanted the Comp.

The Fiesta is a better all round car - just got to be careful as they are easier to break into than a can of beans so insurance will be high (not an issue for you though) Just don't leave any valuables in them at any time as they will probably be gone, along with the car in no time.
Image

User avatar
Angie4m
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3700
Joined: Thu Jan 16, 2014 10:47 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Angie4m » Mon Oct 08, 2018 10:29 pm

I drove to Silverstone in a 595 Competizione from Edinburgh and it wasn’t bad at all. I thought it might have been a bit of a nightmare in terms of seat position etc but it was fine and it seems to sip fuel even when going for it (not used to that on such a small tank). The only issue with the 595 is the fact it’s so light that when you have to apply the brakes sharpish, it’s a definite change of pants moments. Especially if you’re driving on an A road or Motorway.

However fab car for around the twisty country roads and the sound can be quite addictive.
Deep Sea Blue sDrive35is - I LOVE IT! Best car I've ever owned :) - Gone
RRS V8 Supercharged - Gone
Abarth 595 Competizione - Gone
Yas Marina Blue M4 Coupe - Gone

Current:
Protonic Blue i8
Amethyst 997
F56 JCW Challenge (19 of 52)

Still Shy and retiring

User avatar
buzyg
Legend
Legend
Posts: 26421
Joined: Fri May 20, 2011 6:11 pm
Location: Cornwall

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by buzyg » Mon Oct 08, 2018 10:37 pm

Another fan of the new Fiesta here. Not driver the Fiat though so I can't compare them.
Image

User avatar
Tyreman
Member
Member
Posts: 389
Joined: Thu Jun 11, 2015 9:01 pm
Location: Staffordshire

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Tyreman » Tue Oct 09, 2018 12:17 am

I had an Abatth on an extended test drive as my wife was considering one as a runaround.

Neither of us liked it and would take the fiesta every day of the week 👍

allanhelen
Member
Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Fri Dec 07, 2012 8:43 am
Location: Pontefract

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by allanhelen » Wed Oct 17, 2018 7:49 am

My daughter just sold her Fiesta ST as it was just too uncomfortable for her on any journey longer than an hour I think the main thing is the suspension is stiff and jiggly and as standard they come in Zetec Spec which didn't include cruise control. She has now gone to a Focus ST that suits her much better and is a hell of a lot nicer ride quality than the Fiesta

User avatar
Jembo
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6030
Joined: Sat Jun 25, 2011 11:59 pm
Location: 1066 Country

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Jembo » Wed Oct 17, 2018 7:59 am

How about an AUDI A1, compact yet definitely comfortable on a longer run

Additionally, pre registered A class Mercs represent a good buy (I obtained a prereg C class with a 45% discount with 200 miles on clock)
Joined the dark side with a ///M Hell Bronze Sepang Coupe :happyclap:
Ex Aug 2005 Maldives Blue 3 litre cruizer, lots of toyz,

Lifer 54

User avatar
Beedub
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 10973
Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:25 pm
Location: Sutton Coldfield

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by Beedub » Wed Oct 17, 2018 12:51 pm

Big big ST fan here, they are simply bonkers drivers cars, comfort isnt bad at all if your used to this type of car. However if your not.... it can be a shock to the system. This is probably one of the best all round if not the best ive ever owned. A stage 2 ST will leave most z4s for dead on a country road. Im just waiting for my replacement to arrive but i will truely miss this car.
www.topwrapz.com - Multi Award Winning - Detailing | Vinyl Wrap | Paint Protection Film Specialists |

User avatar
ben g
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 7858
Joined: Thu Mar 29, 2012 5:20 pm
Location: Essex

Abarth Turismo or Fiesta ST?

Post by ben g » Tue Oct 30, 2018 12:35 am

allanhelen wrote: Wed Oct 17, 2018 7:49 am My daughter just sold her Fiesta ST as it was just too uncomfortable for her on any journey longer than an hour I think the main thing is the suspension is stiff and jiggly and as standard they come in Zetec Spec which didn't include cruise control. She has now gone to a Focus ST that suits her much better and is a hell of a lot nicer ride quality than the Fiesta
It sounds like you're talking about the st180 model Fiesta. The new Fiesta ST is much more refined in The ride quality department.
Red Soft-top Sterling grey 3.0i - Z4M Front, Eibachs, Polybushed, Clear headlights, Triple clear spot rear lights, Shadow Chrome 107's, Sport MFSW, ZHP.

Post Reply