There is a listing going on from the FLU and the MINI owners about one-uping each other
as an owner of BOTH the 1st Gen MINI (2003) and a brand new Fiat 500 Pop I think I can answer most of this...
IT'S BUPKIS!!! These are 2 really great and fun cars that while they seem to compete,,, are very different in nature and handling
And So:
75 Great Reasons to choose Fiat 500 over the BMW Mini*
– by John Montgomery, Fiat Lancia Unlimited,
www.flu.orgOverall Comparison, Fiat 500 vs. Mini:
1. The Fiat 500 base price MSRP is $4600 less (-23%) than the base BMW Mini MSRP.
True but when I first bought my Mini ins 2003 it was 16,500
2. The Fiat has a 5 star European NCAP rating for driver & passenger safety. Mini has a 4 star rating on driver & passenger safety. Mini has 5 stars for rollover protection only.
dont know the ratings here since as of yet the american crash tests havent been done yet
3. The Fiat has better aerodynamic CD; Fiat: .35, base Mini: .37, Cooper S: .39
dont know have to take the word on that
4. The Fiat base weight is 352 pounds less than the Mini’s base weight.
so?? my 98 Saturn weighed 250 lbs less than the mini also
5. The Fiat’s maximum passenger/cargo capacity is 970 lbs., 154 lbs more than Mini’s 816 lbs.
dont know
6. The Fiat’s 34.8 ft. turning radius is over 3 foot tighter than the Mini’s 38 ft.
true drove it and wow a real TINY turning radius
7. The Fiat’s ground clearance is 4.1 inches; the Mini’s ground clearance is 5.5”.
So?? always thought the Mini's clearance wasnt enough!!
8. The Fiat has lower insurance rates than the Mini yet the same warranty; 4 years, 50K miles.
dont know abt that yet
9. The Fiat has 3 year 36K free maintenance, includes car rental and is transferable!
and the mini also hs the 3/36 WHICH in 2003 was extendable to 4/50K which is NOT available on the Fiat
10. The Fiat suspension sub frame is attached w/o rubber isolators that could fatigue or wear out.
dont know ..
11. Fiat has twice the percentage of USA/Canadian content and Fiat’s engine is made in Michigan.
so?? the Mini's engine was designed in the US and built by BMW and (golly) Chrysler
both cars were designed by the same guy
12. Fiat parts prices compare lower in price than BMW Mini parts.
True (already checked it out)
Exterior Comparison:
13. Fiat has 14 exterior colors but only two are $500 extra. Mini: 7 of 10 colors are $500 extra!
True
14. The Fiat is taller overall with more upright seating position for better road view than the Mini. well taller and more upright.. better road view is subjective
15. Fog lights on Fiat Sport & Lounge are standard. Fog lights for base Mini cost $250.
True!
16. The Fiat Lounge has fixed glass sunroof standard. Mini has no such thing.
True but why?
17. The Fiat electric sunroof is an $850 option but the Mini sunroof option costs $1000. now! back in 2003 in my car the sunroof was less also
18. The Fiat has quieter DBA noise level at idle and at speed on the road.
true but a subjective item.. Fiat has some wind noise at higher speeds
19. The Fiat has lower emissions than the Mini as well as lowest in class.
dont know.. but the class includes the euro engines that arent here
20. The Fiat Bi-Halogen headlights use the latest hi-tech bulb and of course daytime running lights.
Oh?? ok if you say so then again.. the Mini has an optional Xenon light which is REALLY bright... and in the Pop.. the DRL's arent The headlights they are the parking lights
Interior Comparison:
21. The Fiat has more space within the wheelbase devoted to passenger room.
ok
22. Fiat drivers fit up to the 90th percentile adult, up to 6’ 1” without bumping
headliner. Drivers up to 6’3” fit well in the 500 without the sunroof option (which takes 2” headroom.)
and the Mini can take 6'3" WITH the sunroof
23. Fiat rear seat passengers cover a 70th percentile, up to 5’9 without bumping liner.
ok if you say so
24. The Fiat has more rear seat leg room, Fiat 32.2”, Mini has 29.9”.
true then again mini solved it with teh clubman
25. The Fiat 500 has 6.5 cubic foot trunk space, more than the Mini’s 5.7 cu. ft.
true but its not as convienent a shape
26. The Fiat has a longer luggage floor w/ seats upright, even though it’s shorter outside. see previous
27. The Fiat 500 has a longer luggage floor with the seats folded down too! again see previous
28. The Fiat holds 30 cu. ft. of cargo w/ seats folded down; the base Mini only 24 cu. ft.
true
29. The Fiat base front passenger seat has storage compartment under seat cushion. Mini does not.
so?? the mini has more storage and stowage spaces than the fiat in teh front
30. The Fiat has an outboard top seatback lever and inboard lower lever for rear passenger egress.
so does the Mini
31. Centralized pod instrument bezel on the Fiat is directly in front of the driver, not on Mini.
Style vs Style bad argument
32. Fiat driver levers; switches & controls are much easier to reach than the BMW Mini.
nope not on the older 1st gen cars.. just as easy
33. Fiat drivers do not need to tilt their head to see the heater controls, only look down.
same as mini
34. The Fiat gear shifter is closer at hand than the Mini and a very short throw.
use auto on both meaningless
35. The Fiat center armrest is standard; the Mini center armrest is a $250 option.
True
36. Fiat offers heated seats & mirrors for less than Mini’s $750 cold weather combo package. oh??? not on the Pop,, a dealer installed $699 option if I want it...
37. The Fiat 500 has an HVAC system with micron air filter for the cabin, even on base models. same on Mini as far as filter
38. The 500 offers “equivalent temperature” sensors, changing settings based on inside and outside conditions of temperature, humidity and airflow.
dont know abt this
39. The Fiat includes a security system as standard, a $500 Mini option.
nope mini is offered on all models.. no security on Pop... only an option with Sirius and bose, try even more money
40. Tom-Tom docking feature on Fiat eliminates wires or plug-ins to cigar lighter.
Mini offers built in nav system
41. The Fiat offers a superior “Blue & Me” interactive link w/ steering wheel controls & USB port.
actually it no longer offers it.. it's now standard Mini is still an option
42. Fiat’s Blue & Me system is $400 option, a similar system is a $1750 package on the Mini. uh bluetooth is $500 on mini and listed as a $500 option on Fiat (but now included)
43. The Fiat has “Eco-Drive”, a down load application to review driving habits.
true weird but true
44. The BOSE 6 speaker system made for the 500 uses 50% less energy & 30% smaller hardware.
true but the unit under the passenger seat is a bit bulky Mini uses HK system
45. The Fiat BOSE audio has amps under the front passenger seat, out of the way.
well not quite out of the way
Performance Comparison:
46. The Fiat manual gets better mileage; the Fiat 30/38 MPG vs. Mini’s 28/37 MPG.
just maybe
47. The Fiat does not require premium fuel. All Minis require at least mid grade 91 octane!
and a lot of mini owners have used lower grades sucessfully
48. The Fiat 500 has a better power to weight ratio than the Mini base 1.6 engines.
dont know
49. The Fiat has patented Multi-Air valve technology, unavailable on the Mini.
and the Mini has bmw's valvatronic system n/a on the fiat so there! meaningless argument
50. The Fiat Pop, Sport & Lounge all have a stainless steel exhaust system standard.
ok,,
51. The Fiat has hydraulic cam followers; Multi Air system reduces pumping losses.
again meaningless vs the mini's engine specs
52. The Fiat 6 speed automatic is $1000 option; mates buying the Mini pay $1250.
it's not ALL about money
53. The Fiat automatic transmission has a one touch shifter + or -.
So does the Mini.. mine had it in 03
54. Fiat has a dashboard “Sport” switch sharpens steering and auto trans shift points.
So do the new 2nd Gen Mini's and its more dramatic than the Fiat's
55. The Fiat “hill holder” keeps the manual car from rolling back (or forward too) on grades.
ok
56. Fiat has traction control standard. It’s an option on base Mini for $250.
nope ASC is standard on all minis now
57. The Fiat’s “HBA” hydraulic braking control compensates for pressure in panic stops and lowers actuation time for maximum braking force.
again specifics ,,that are meaingless
58. Fiat braking “EBD” reads actual wheel speed data for faster brake response times.
if you say so.. Mini has all those alphabet built in items also,,,
59. The Fiat “ESP” calculates wheel longitude and lateral grip, cutting in when wheel slip is beyond parameters by adjusting throttle input and opposite wheel brake bias.
sounds like the Mini's DSC...
60. Fiat’s “ASR” reduces wheel slip at all speeds and adjusts torque for grip detected.
see above
Safety Comparison:
61. The Fiat has 7 airbags standard while Mini has only 6. Fiat includes driver’s knee airbag.
ok yeah they have one more
62. The Fiat has double seatbelt pretensions to tighten in a crash event sequence.
Mini has only single belt pre-tensioners. All Fiat seats include 3 point belts and reactive head restraints.
ok but exactly what is a reactive head restraint?
63. The Fiat has a lower forward vision angle of 8%, Fiat driver sits more upright.
yup
64. The Fiat’s narrower “A” pillars are of high tensile steel for safety w/ better visibility.
and the Mini's frame is stiffer than the BMW' 3 series
65. The Fiat front & rear seats have anti submarine devices to prevent sliding under belts.
didnt know that,,,
66. The Fiat has breakaway foot pedals in high impact frontal crashes to protect feet.
ok
67. The Fiat has soft energy impact hood area in case the car ever strikes a pedestrian.
I should test it sometime.. but ok
68. Fiat’s “FPS” (fire prevention switch) cuts off and stops the electric fuel pump in a crash, even a rollover crash. Then the Fiat automatically turns on the hazards, interior lights & unlocks doors.
same with mini which also drops the window and opens the roof
69. The Fiat’s interior trim is flame resistant. Mini does not use flame retardants.
Heritage Comparison:
70. Fiat since 1899 is an independent manufacturer. Mini was BMC, now owned by BMW.
see the next..
71. Fiat owns Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, New Holland Tractors, Kobelco Construction Equipment, Magnetti Marelli and Teksid, the world’s largest engine foundry.
okd
72. The original Fiat 500 appeared in 1957, the original Mini in 1959.
true..but the original fiat was a 2 cylinder rear engine car (like the VW) the Mini started the Transverse FWD trend which the new Fiat is one also
73. The Fiat 500 is sold in 90 countries; more than the BMW Mini.
ok
74. Enzo Ferrari drove a Fiat to work daily. However, Enzo also owned a Mini and loved it too!
well there you are
75. Fiat SpA holds the record for most European Car of the Year Awards (Fiat 500 won in 2008), most World Rally Championships, most Formula One Championships.
ok
now remember I like and own BOTH cars.. but dont like this car bashing ("my car is better than yours because nah nah nah..")
so I will post this here in Fiat500usa, in NEMINI and in USMINICLUB
Rob Friedman
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