[MazdaSpeed]

Seeing that the Fiat 500 is one of the main competitors for the Mazda2, use this thread to compare both cars.

Things we can talk about:

What are the pro's and con's of each vehicle?
Gas Mileage?
Reliability?
Interior/Exterior Design?

and anything else you would like to add.

 

[speed.2]

They are competitors but no way are the 2 cars in the same price range, but i would never buy a fiat 500 dude..

 

[2oom-2oom]

No contest.

The 2 is a very small car, but well designed to be functional. The 500 is even smaller, so I can't imagine it being good for much. they do look cool, but so does the 2.

The biggest problem is the high cost of ownership for a European car. Expensive service, parts, and they recommend premium gas.

The 500 is also more expensive, for less car, and they have come out with designer versions to drive the price up even higher, and to try to boost poor sales.

 

[bananaboat]

I just saw this title and thought HOW could they compare? One of the few Fiat dealerships is close by and their stock is just rotting on the lot. I looked at one just for grins since the last Fiat I test drove was an X1/9 just before Fiat left the US market due to poor quality (I'm showing my age). Thousands more than an M2 and bad mpgs for a small car. They don't compare other than the size of the vehicle.

The US market is Fiat's last ditch effort at staying alive and only one lousy available model makes it worse. The Alfa Romeo (Fiat Group) 4C looks interesting but that's a limited market. Apologies to any Chrysler product owners but after having owned one, that is the only brand I will never buy again due to quality issues. I just can't imagine how two of lowest quality brands joining together will produce anything decent.

 

[Flashwing]

Having driven both of these cars on the race track I think I can offer some input.

The Fiat 500 I drove is the sport, non-turbo version. The Fiat 500 has elements that I wish the Mazda2 had including 4-wheel disc brakes, bolstered seats and a rear sway bar. The handling of the Fiat was nice but by no means mind-blowing. The braking was pretty epic but that was to be expected.

The fit and finish of the interior was kind of cool. However, over all I didn't see the purpose of spending the $20,000+ on the car when it has less cargo room than the Mazda2. Power wise both cars are identical.

My issue is when you start getting above $20,000 you are close to Mazdaspeed3 territory and the performance there blows the Fiat 500 out of the water. Considering the larger cargo space and 300/300 power that can be gotten with just tuning there really isn't any contest.

I think the Mazda2 is a much better value.

 

[Erv]

I agree they don't really compare, I would LOVE to see Mazda come out with something to rival the Abarth though. A MZ2 with 160-170 hp would be a blast.

 

[bananaboat]

I agree they don't really compare, I would LOVE to see Mazda come out with something to rival the Abarth though. A MZ2 with 160-170 hp would be a blast.

Yes, my old Miata which weighs about the same as the M2 has 150hp and is a hoot. Granted the weight distribution, etc is much different.

I like my M2 but today was another early spring day so I drove the Miata. I know the M2 will feel like a turtle when I drive it in the morning. But I bought the M2 for the mpgs on my long daily drive.

 

[mg120]

I agree they don't really compare, I would LOVE to see Mazda come out with something to rival the Abarth though. A MZ2 with 160-170 hp would be a blast.

it is doubtful that mazda would sell an M2 with more hp than the M3. a good compromise would be a 1.5L sky-active @ 120 hp & around 50 mpg. of course, they could always throw a turbo on the current 1.5 & bump it up to around 140 hp but not sure how that would effect the mpg.