Value-Abarth vs Lusso

39585 Views 45 Replies 32 Participants Last post by Brexit !, Jun 30, 2020

Stelvio

Discussion Starter · Dec 6, 2016

Not trying to start an argument here, but the added value of the Abarth vs the Lusso seems well worth it. The difference in the base price of the two models in the U.S. is $700. Every feature of the Lusso, is included in the Abarth.
And what do you get in addition? Bilstein Shocks, a throatier less restrictive and prettier exhaust that yields four more horsepower, limited slip differential (positraction), sport mode selector (effects turboboost, steering and suspension), front strut tower brace - all performance upgrades that would cost a ton even if you could retrofit them in the aftermarket.
In addition, a couple of appearance and comfort upgrades in the Abarth badges, sport engine cover, red badge tach, leather trimmed microfiber insert seats, and painted wheels.
Putting aside the argument that the Abarth is closer to the mission of the car being a sporty, two seater roadster versus the "gentlemen's sporting vehicle" approach of the Lusso, I think in total the Abarth upgrades are one **** of a deal for $700 bucks.

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azzura

· #2 · Dec 6, 2016

In the UK the difference is more like £7,000. For that you get a bigger power difference (170 bhp vs 140 bhp), stiffer suspension, Record Monza exhaust (if you like it, I don't really), optional (free) heritage black bonnet/boot (hood/trunk), plus Abarth badges, seats, red bits if you want, etc.

Much more difficult to justify IMHO...but a silver/grey one MT with all red bits is growing on me...

TomM

· #3 · Dec 6, 2016

Very odd way of "not trying to start an argument."

The Abarth was too much boy-racer stuff that didn't interest me. I have no plans of ever taking my car on a track or doing any significant mods to it. I don't want a louder exhaust. I don't want an obnoxious red tachometer. I don't want the harsher ride for no significant benefit.

The Lusso fits what I wanted in the car. I'm very happy with it. Enjoy your Abarth.

Reactions: 5

iamz

· #4 · Dec 6, 2016

Got to agree with TomM - In addition, the styling of the front and rear fascia are just too modern for my tastes. Just not a big fan of the "angry" look they design into so many of today's cars and SUVs.

Reactions: 4

drbjaz

· #5 · Dec 6, 2016

If the different features/components of the Abarth are what you want, then yes, it's a great value over the Lusso. On the other hand, if you don't particularly care for or don't have any use for the features that come with the Abarth version, then, as my Daddy always told me, "It doesn't matter how great a bargain it is, if you don't need it, it's no bargain."

Reactions: 3

Stelvio

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 6, 2016

Like I said, the Lusso is clearly the more "gentlemanly sporting vehicle" and had that been my preference, I too would be perfectly happy with that choice. My point was that from a performance upgrade perspective, the $700 bucks is cheap for what you get. Meanwhile, enjoy the 124 sport, in either package, it is a great car.

Reactions: 3

JFernald

· #7 · Dec 6, 2016

Stelvio said:
Not trying to start an argument here, but the added value of the Abarth vs the Lusso seems well worth it. The difference in the base price of the two models in the U.S. is $700. Every feature of the Lusso, is included in the Abarth.
And what do you get in addition? Bilstein Shocks, a throatier less restrictive and prettier exhaust that yields four more horsepower, limited slip differential (positraction), sport mode selector (effects turboboost, steering and suspension), front strut tower brace - all performance upgrades that would cost a ton even if you could retrofit them in the aftermarket.
In addition, a couple of appearance and comfort upgrades in the Abarth badges, sport engine cover, red badge tach, leather trimmed microfiber insert seats, and painted wheels.
Putting aside the argument that the Abarth is closer to the mission of the car being a sporty, two seater roadster versus the "gentlemen's sporting vehicle" approach of the Lusso, I think in total the Abarth upgrades are one **** of a deal for $700 bucks.

If you prefer microfiber inserts, rather than leather, you are correct that the difference is only $700. If you want leather, you have to add the Luxury package to the Abarth, which is $200 more than the Premium package in the Lusso. So, if you want it loaded, the Abarth will be $900 more. Although you get a lot for that $900, you also get a different looking car. I prefer the looks of the Lusso over the Abarth.

Reactions: 4

frankmar

· #8 · Dec 6, 2016

I have seen a couple dealers and I could not find a Classica, personally they should discontinue the Classica, The lusso should be the basic and add the packages. But with an extra $$ majority will take the Abarth(no contest) For the extra you pay it's all worth.

Reactions: 1

iamz

· #9 · Dec 7, 2016

frankmar said:
I have seen a couple dealers and I could not find a Classica, personally they should discontinue the Classica, The lusso should be the basic and add the packages. But with an extra $$ majority will take the Abarth(no contest) For the extra you pay it's all worth.

Personally, I preferred and bought the Classica over the Lusso, but I get your point - the Lusso and Abarth will be the bulk of sales.

pikeman

· #10 · Dec 7, 2016

There is nothing to argue about. It's all about personal value.

Reactions: 3

RBH58

· #11 · Dec 7, 2016

The price difference in the U.K. is massive. So I understand the appeal of the Fiat over the Abarth. $700 difference though? It's probably worth it for the LSD alone.

Reactions: 2

Stelvio

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 7, 2016 (Edited)

frankmar said:
I have seen a couple dealers and I could not find a Classica, personally they should discontinue the Classica, The lusso should be the basic and add the packages. But with an extra $$ majority will take the Abarth(no contest) For the extra you pay it's all worth.

But the difference between the Classico and Lusso in the U.S. is $2,500! What you get is Chrome exhaust tips, climate control, push button start and proximity entry, auto headlights, fog lamps, bigger wheels and tires, rain sensitive wipers, leather trimmed cloth heated seats,rear camera, 7" infotainment system vs 3" display with am/FM radio.

Again, from a sporting perspective, other than wheels and tires, nothing I couldn't easily live without as compared to an extra $2500! If I was choosing between these two, I would buy the Clasico. The added components to get the rest of the upgrades are a couple of switches and some inexpensive electronics. Personally, I don't see it especially compared to the actual hardware you get for the $700 Abarth upgrade. Of course it is all about what you want and your purpose in having the car.
P.S. In my Abarth vs Lusso comparison I forgot to include the aluminum covered operator pedals.

frankmar

· #13 · Dec 7, 2016

Stelvio said:
But the difference between the Classico and Lusso in the U.S. is $2,500! What you get is Chrome exhaust tips, climate control, push button start and proximity entry, auto headlights, fog lamps, bigger wheels and tires, rain sensitive wipers, leather trimmed cloth heated seats,rear camera, 7" infotainment system vs 3" display with am/FM radio.

Again, from a sporting perspective, other than wheels and tires, nothing I couldn't easily live without as compared to an extra $2500! If I was choosing between these two, I would buy the Clasico. The added components to get the rest of the upgrades are a couple of switches and some inexpensive electronics. Personally, I don't see it especially compared to the actual hardware you get for the $700 Abarth upgrade. Of course it is all about what you want and your purpose in having the car.

Forgot that there was a $3000can diff classica vs Lusso and $1500can vs Abarth. Initially I was going for the Classica, but when I wanted certain features such as rear camera and leather The lusso was more appropriate, Then for 1500 I went for the Abarth, then came the Top brass sales manager and ended up with the Abarth Luxury package. If it weren't for the 7 yrs 0%, The choice would have been the Lusso or maybe the Abarth base. I had a budget to respect.

Godina

· #14 · Dec 7, 2016

And don't forget the 1 day Bondurant driving school for the Abarth in the price.

Reactions: 5

kpoling

· #15 · Dec 7, 2016

drbjaz said:
If the different features/components of the Abarth are what you want, then yes, it's a great value over the Lusso. On the other hand, if you don't particularly care for or don't have any use for the features that come with the Abarth version, then, as my Daddy always told me, "It doesn't matter how great a bargain it is, if you don't need it, it's no bargain."

I wanted all the available options that the Lusso offers - the Nav, Leather, dimming mirrors - because I didn't want to give up any of the luxury my BMW had while at the same time getting a car that drives much better - far more exciting than my 1 series. It was already a superior vehicle without the Abarth differences - I've already equaled the horsepower with an improved intake, and I like the smoother ride. I figure I can get better performance then either version by gradually choosing what changes I want to make. Both great cars, though.

Reactions: 2

LongBeachJim

· #16 · Dec 7, 2016

I had my heart set on the blue 'Special Edition' Lusso until I saw a photo of the Gelato White Abarth with red accents. They are both such beautiful cars. If I were younger (and relatively poor back then), I'd go with a stripped down Classica and still be happy.

Reactions: 1

RBH58

· #17 · Dec 7, 2016

Stelvio said:
Again, from a sporting perspective, other than wheels and tires, nothing I couldn't easily live without as compared to an extra $2500!

From a "sporting perspective" and you don't include LSD?

Reactions: 1

Badwolf

· #18 · Dec 7, 2016

I wish the US got the free heritage stripe, even when they start offering it later in 2017 it's a $1900 option. I'm paying an nice paint shop $1500 to do it.

Reactions: 2

PureAdrenaline

· #19 · Dec 7, 2016

RBH58 said:
The price difference in the U.K. is massive. So I understand the appeal of the Fiat over the Abarth. $700 difference though? It's probably worth it for the LSD alone.

I have the Lusso and love it...but I do wish they would have put the LSD in it. It is the only thing I would love to have. I would have paid $700 for it alone...:|

Reactions: 2

kpoling

· #20 · Dec 7, 2016

I agree with that - even my Solstice had one. But everything else is great - and I get a ton of compliments on the car.

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