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Wanting to recapture your youth but didn’t hang out in the muscle car crowd? Great news, there are two retro small coupes that draw on their past and offer the motoring public something aside from a thunderous V8. The ‘brand-new’ MINI has actually been around since 2001 and has been a big success. It has been so effective that FIAT revitalized the 500 name in ’07 to fight MINI. Today we compare the 2019 MINI Cooper JCW and FIAT 400 Abarth, and we’ll figure out which one will rule as the little, nostalgia-inspired cruiser.
Although the FIAT is a fine car, this area is a bit of a mismatch for the MINI. The FIAT 500 Abarth includes a 1.4 L Turbo 4-cylinder engine creating 160hp, which isn’t terrible for an automobile its size. Nonetheless, the 2019 MINI Cooper JCW absolutely crushes it with 228 horsepower stemming from its 2.0 L Turbo 4-cylinder. Both automobiles come standard with a manual transmission (because they’re more enjoyable!), however while the MINI has a 6-speed unit and the FIAT only has a five speed. Both automobiles feature 6-speed automatics as available upgrades.
Style is subjective, one man’s trash is another man’s prize. In this case, both vehicles are outright prizes with their devoted reimagining of the traditional cars of the past. The brand-new 500 Abarth features an aerodynamic form that cuts through the wind, red bucket seats, red engine cover, red brake calipers, and optional 17-inch wheels. The ’19 MINI Cooper JCW features an upgraded front fascia, LED headlamps, JCW Sports Seats, optional 18-inch wheels and Union Jack influenced LED taillamps. While both automobiles are eye-catching, the MINI is clearly the best-looking car.
These automobiles were developed with spirited driving in mind, for that reason most of the brand-new security tech features are missing. The all-new FIAT 500 Abarth features a 5-inch touchscreen audio system, Halogen Projector Headlamps, and Rear Park-Assist. Warmed Front Seats, Beats Audio, Navigation and a Sunroof are all available at an extra cost on the Abarth. The 2019 MINI Cooper JCW comes with a 6.5-inch Media System, MINI Driving Modes, LED Headlights and taillights. Some of the optional features on the JCW consist of a Panorama Roof, Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Braking, and Navigation.
Contact MINI of Clear Lake online, in-person, or give us a call to schedule a MINI Cooper JCW test drive.
