Fiat 500 Forum banner

500s: U.S. vs Europe - What differences are there?

20K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  deja vous  
#1 ·
As 'Mama Grizzly' would say 'You BETCHA'!'. They're also the reason we have that deformed looking passenger side windshield wiper arm, different taillight lenses, a glove box with a door and who knows how many other differences. In Europe the HIGH beams are where our DRL's are located and the LOW beam and turn signal are located where our headlights are located.


We're from the government and we're here to HELP you!
This post in another thread has me wondering how the U.S. cars differ from their European counterparts? And rather than hijack someone else's discussion, I thought I'd rather start a new one.

I know they get a diesel option, and I think a 1.2L engine as well. I don't think I'd want either of those, but it adds to my curiosity.

The first time I saw a 500 was in 2009 when I was in Belgium. I thought they were pretty cool, but also thought they would never be offered in the U.S. Glad to be wrong on that one!

i snapped a pic from back then.......
 
#3 ·
Oh - thanks! So it looks like the Eu 1.4 version has a 6-speed manual?

There are other things than the technical specs that I am curious about, though. For example, the specs don't mention the lights and wipers as mentioned above. None of this is truly important. It's just got me wondering.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I wouldn't put too much worry into it.

The vast majority of the changes are structural, in other words, the naked eye can't see them. I'm going to assume you haven't seen/read FIAT 500: The Autobiography. Checking that book out (maybe at your LS) will put any worries you may have too rest.

Exterior: Passenger side windshield wiper & headlights are two things the naked eye can see. The EU wiper set-up is more pleasing aesthetically, while Giolito added a cool accent to the NA headlights. Then, there is the obvious change/s to the front & rear fascia (to accommodate NA license plates). Those are design changes the naked eye should be able to see, without the use of a tape measure. In NA, we have the undercarriage spare set-up. It's in the boot of the EU version. In NA, the tail pipe chrome tip is standard since 2012 ~ not so in the EU.

Interior: The armrest was added & the seats have more cushion to accommodate the longer commuting times in NA. The EU power window (an expensive upgrade in Europe) buttons are square and devoid of the chrome accents. No factory-heated seats option in EU version, so the buttons are added as opposed to be an integrated part of the interior. The button set-up on the steering wheel is different, despite the fact it looks very similar. The EU 500 is noisier and bumpier. The console is slightly different ~ there is a small compartment on the NA has the net pocket. The EU version is devoid of a glove box door. In NA, the leather-wrapped steering is standard since 2012 ~ not so in the EU.

Under the bonnet:
There are a host of differences ~ the EU has quite a few. The main difference is the NA Multi-air. It will become an option everywhere in the 2015 global 500.

So, as you can see, there really isn't anything to worry about. Giolito was the head of the team which developed the NA 500. Is has been noted, in print and in recorded video, he took advantage of the need to make regulatory changes for NA. He made improvements to the car. In fact, NAs are (basically) driving the 2015 global 500 now.

I just noticed noticed you checked out mocha's link. I'm glad you're relieved.
 
#6 ·
Well..the biggest change is that the NA version is more than 300 pounds heavier than the EU version! I'm not sure where they managed to stuff 300 extra pounds into such a tiny car. It's like driving around with a huge fat guy sitting in your car all the time compared to EU.

I guess it's the structural upgrades, etc....but geez!
6' 1", 280 lbs. Like driving around with me all the time. Funny my wife never complains. Hmmm.....
 
#10 ·
Great info!

btw - I wasn't at all worried about the differences. Just interested to know.
 
  • Like
Reactions: amacento
#13 ·
Sorry, smark is correct as I was told to try to keep any competing forums links from being posted. I don't completely agree as it means a lack of information but it is the rules according to AutoGuide so I just try to make that happen as they wish. As you can see above working around the problem is a way to handle things which in my opinion doesn't cause an actual violation. Thanks.
 
#14 ·
It didn't motivate me to leave this forum. Just provided good info.