Rover (1999-2005) vs Fiat (2014)

I had to live with a Fiat 500L for 5 days while the Rover was repaired. What I think of Fiat does not matter, but what my wife thinks is now very significant.



Prepare to feel insulted: my wife has often argued that our cars are old, ugly, shapeless, too long, and the product of unwarranted emotional sentiment (this one has more than 305000 miles on the clock). So her views on a compact, frugal, and absolutely new Fiat 500L (2014 reg and only 5 factory miles on the clock) would certainly influence our future transport.



I know these are different "class" of vehicle, but for any 2002 vs 2014 comparison it has been horrendously embarrassing.



Road noise: Rover is quieter at speed, Fiat is quieter in traffic**

Down-hill: Rover is faster, smoother, less bumpy, more stable

Up-hill: Rover is much more powerful or accelerates better*

Stationary: Rover's reclining seats are comfortable, and Fiat's are like a cheap bus

Running cost: On identical 600 mile round-trips, the Rover used £40 in diesel and the Fiat used £50 in diesel

Design: Rover is like an old car, Fiat is like a plastic toy



After nagging me for years to get something less-old and less-ugly, my wife has made a complete U-turn and told to buy another used Rover 75 (as technically I'm borrowing the current one) but it remains "too long" for her to drive.



* Fiat is 105bhp. Rover had 110bhp but that was 305000 miles ago, and is a much heavier car.

** Fiat fitted 4x new Goodyear tyes. Rover fitted with 2x new Goodyear tyres, and 2x slightly worn Dunlop tyres.

from the last news http://ift.tt/1uw345m

via IFTTT