Fiat 500e or Abarth 500e: Which one is for you?

Both the Fiat 500e and the Abarth 500e share the iconic nimble framing inspiration from the classic Fiat 500 that has been a popular choice for an affordable, stylish, and practical city car dating back since the late 1950s – except now, both vehicles’ all-electric counterparts have been making their way through the UK EV market since 2021.

In 1971, courtesy of Sporting Director, Carlo Abarth, market expander Fiat acquired Abarth as its in–house racing and high-performance division, and to this day, still produces high-performance fiat models such as the Abarth 500e.

You’d be mistaken yet easily forgiven if off of first appearance, the two 500es appear to be almost the same vehicle. But when we take a mechanical angle, the two actually appeal to completely different driving styles. The Abarth 500 tunes the Fiat 500 and refurbishes many key components, such as the electric motor and suspension – creating a performance model that’s had an electrical upgrade to appeal towards a more dynamic and sport inspired motor experience with finishing visual touches internally and externally to reflect this. The Fiat 500e however, sits assured in it’s economic, comfortable and chic brand that’s now even more environmentally and pocket-friendly owed to it’s electrical twist.

Creating a blatant differentiation, Abarth 500e homes sports seats accompanied with an integrated headrest and heightened bolsters, and is modified outwardly with a chunkier exterior and an all-new premium alloy upgrade – with the Turismo version incorporating even more aesthetical detailing emphasizing the sporting lifestyle down to the dash.

The two offer distinct approaches to electric mobility. The Fiat 500e is typically equipped with an electric motor that produces around 118 horsepower, offering a smooth and efficient driving experience suitable for urban areas. The Abarth 500e on the other hand, powers up to 155 translating into faster acceleration and agility.

If you are considering the sustainable swap to electric and are torn between Fiat and Abarth’s iconic models, our team will be happy to assist in making the choice that’s right for you. With a range of brand-new electric, hybrid and internal combustion editions, hatchback or open-air, there’s something for everyone curious about the 500s we have in stock.