The Fiat 500, an icon of Italian design and engineering, has carved out a niche for itself in the automotive world with its compact size, charming looks, and city-friendly maneuverability. However, amidst the pizza, pasta, and espresso that define Italian magnificence, there's another critical measure where the 500 excels or fails - the turning circle. Ah, the turning circle, a figure that might seem as mundane as a rainy Sunday afternoon, but in the urban jungle, it's as crucial as having a good umbrella. For a car that's been zipping through narrow streets since its inception, the turning circle isn't just a number; it's a testament to its urban agility.
Fiat 500 - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?
Over the generations, the Fiat 500's turning circle has seen more evolution than a Darwinian chart. From the 8.60 meters of the original 500 110/120 (1957-1965) to the 9.70 meters of the latest 500 500 F1A (2020-now), one might argue that the Fiat 500 has strayed from its roots. However, in reality, this change reflects advancements in safety, comfort, and design aesthetics that necessitate a slightly larger footprint. The fact that it has managed to keep its turning circle under 10 meters, despite these changes, is akin to keeping your waistline in check after a tour of Italy - commendable, to say the least.
Fiat 500 generations
(Turning circle)
Fiat 500 generationsGeneration year | Turning circle |
---|
500, Model year 1957 (110/120) | 8 m |
500, Model year 1965 (110 (1. Facelift)) | 8 m |
500, Model year 2007 (500 312) | 9 m |
500, Model year 2015 (500 312 (1. Facelift)) | 9 m |
500, Model year 2020 (500 F1A) | 9 m |
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (110/120) from 1957 and last generation (500 F1A) from 2020 is 1 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of 500 is 9 m.
Variants
Fiat 500 variants: 500e vs. 500e 3+1 vs. 500e Cabrio
(Turning circle)
Turning circle: Fiat 500 variantsVariant name | Turning circle |
---|
500e | 9 m |
500e 3+1 | 9 m |
500e Cabrio | 9 m |
The turning circle compared to other Fiat models
Comparing the turning circle within the Fiat family is like assessing the agility of gladiators in the Colosseum. While the Topolino models, with their dainty 7.20m turning circles, dance around like nimble fighters, the newer Fiat 500 models, especially the 500e variants at 9.70 meters, demonstrate a heftier presence in the arena. Yet, they stand proud, outmaneuvering larger siblings such as the Tipo and the Ducato models, which boast turning circles of up to 11.30 meters and beyond. In this familial contest, the Fiat 500 proves to be more agile than many, albeit a little less so than the flyweight champions of the past.
Fiat 500 vs other current cars by Fiat
(Turning circle)
Turning circle: 500 vs. other models by FiatVariant name | Turning circle |
---|
Topolino Dolcevita | 7 m |
500e | 9 m |
500e 3+1 | 9 m |
500e Cabrio | 9 m |
Panda | 9 m |
Panda Cross | 9 m |
600 Hybrid | 10 m |
Tipo | 10 m |
Tipo Kombi | 10 m |
Grande Panda Hybrid | 10 m |
Ducato {VAN} | 11 m |
e-Ducato {VAN} | 11 m |
Ducato Kombi | 11 m |
E-Doblò {VAN}/Multicab | 11 m |
e-Ducato Kombi | 12 m |
E-Scudo {VAN} | 12 m |
How does the turning circle of the Fiat 500 compare to it's nearest competitors?
Venturing outside the Fiat family, our little Italian compares quite favorably with its contemporaries. Take, for instance, the Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3, both with a turning circle of 10.40 meters, making our Fiat look like a ballerina in comparison. Then we have the giants, like the Volkswagen T-Roc and the Mercedes-Benz GLB, with their 11.10 and 11.70m diameters respectively, making them seem like lumbering beasts next to our sprightly Fiat. It's akin to bringing a knife to a gunfight, yet somehow, dancing between the bullets. Yes, the Fiat 500, especially in its electric avatar, faces stiff competition, but in the tight corners and narrow lanes of the city, it remains as agile as a cat on a hot tin roof.
Fiat 500 vs. similar cars
(Turning circle)
Turning circle: Fiat 500 vs. similar carsCar model | Turning circle |
---|
ARI Motors 452/802 2019 | 6 m |
ARI Motors Soleno 2024 | 7 m |
ARI Motors 902 2023 | 7 m |
smart fortwo 1999 | 8 m |
smart forfour 2020 | 8 m |
Citroen C3 Pluriel 2003 | 9 m |
Fiat Punto 1993 | 9 m |
Peugeot 205 1983 | 9 m |
TYN-e TX1-e 2024 | 9 m |
Honda e 2020 | 9 m |
e.GO Mobile Life 2019 | 9 m |
Dacia Spring 2024 | 9 m |
Ligier Myli 2023 | 9 m |
Fiat 500 2020 | 9 m |
Audi Cabriolet 1991 | 10 m |
VW Eos 2006 | 10 m |
Peugeot 306 1993 | 10 m |
Fiat X1/9 1973 | 10 m |
Renault R19 1989 | 10 m |
Borgward Hansa 1800 1952 | 10 m |
Borgward Hansa 1500 1949 | 10 m |
Alpine A290 2024 | 10 m |
Opel Ampera 2017 | 10 m |
Citroen E-Mehari 2016 | 10 m |
BMW i3 2017 | 10 m |
Lexus SC 2001 | 11 m |
Peugeot 307 2001 | 11 m |
MINI Aceman 2024 | 11 m |
Honda e:Ny1 2023 | 11 m |
e.GO Mobile e.wave X 2022 | 11 m |
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