500 Abarth ... is roughly the same price as the gti, its slower, it has a lot less space and its uglier.
GTI is really the way to go.
Fiat 500 Abarth - From $22,000
VW GTI - From $23,995
Fiat 500 Abarth - 160hp and 2,550 lbs = 15.9 lbs/hp
VW GTI - 200hp and 3,100 lbs= 15.5 lbs/hp
Fiat 500 Abarth - 28/34 mpg
VW GTI - 21/31 mpg
Fiat 500 Abarth - 0-60 in 6.8 seconds w/ manual
VW GTI - 0-60 in 6.1 seconds w/ manual
Fiat 500 Abarth - 26.9 second MT Figure-8
VW GTI - 26.5 second MT Figure-8
And I have seen several cruising around now and they look great. I don't think they are a bad alternative.
Fiat 500 Abarth vs. GTI
Fiat + 20% better gas mileage
Fiat + 550 lbs less weight
Fiat + $2,000+ less money
GTI + 9% faster to 60
GTI + 2% faster on MT Figure-8
GTI + 2.5% better power-to-weight ratio
I think both make good arguments. Sure, I prefer the GTI too but that doesn't mean the Abarth is a bad choice. Seems like the same rationale behind people buying a Cooper S over a GTI.