2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Fit

With the introduction of the 2012 Fiat 500 into the U.S. market, the Honda Fit has yet another competitor to contend with in the compact vehicle class. Promising miniscule proportions, a stylish design and stellar gas mileage, both the Fiat and Fit have a lot on common. Keep reading to compare prices, features and styling of the 2012 Fiat 500 and 2012 Honda Fit so you can determine which model is best for your needs.

Styling: 2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Fit

Neither the Honda Fit nor the Fiat 500 are lacking in character. The Fit exudes a sporty exterior that easily makes it one of the more recognizable models in its class. With its decidedly European styling cues, the Fiat is just as head-turning, Overall, the Fit looks a bit more athletic, while the Fiat might be described as more cutesy.

Inside, both models deliver a fun cabin design that exudes a youthful persona. Hard plastics are widespread in both models, but there are enough upscale touches to eliminate the feeling of cheapness. The main point of contention between the 2012 Fiat and 2012 Fit is available interior cabin space. Between the two, the Honda Fit is the hands-down winner in this category. While rear seat passengers will find a surprising amount of legroom in the Fit, such is not the case with the diminutive rear seat of the Fiat.

The Honda Fit also trounces the Fiat in cargo space. Whereas the Fiat offers up to 30.1 cubic feet of storage (with rear seats folded flat), the Honda Fit promises a maximum of 57.3 cubic feet.

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Performance: 2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Fit

The 2012 Fiat 500 makes do with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 101 horsepower and 98 lb-ft. of torque. The slightly larger Honda Fit receives a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that manages 117 horsepower and 106 lb-ft. of torque. Those extra ponies do serve to make the Honda Fit a slightly more athletic car. However, the Fiat wins out in the category of fuel efficiency.

At its best, the Fiat returns 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway (33 mpg combined). In comparison, the Honda Fit tops out at 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway (29 mpg combined).

Both models are available with an upgrade Sport package that improves engine performance, but reduces fuel efficiency.

Review full 2012 Fiat 500 specifications

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Safety: 2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), traction control, stability control, front-side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The Fiat 500 deletes the active front head restraints, but adds all-wheel disc brakes and a driver's knee airbag. In government crash tests, the Fiat 500 earned an overall rating of 3 out of 5, while the Honda Fit earned a rating of 4 out of 5.

Pricing and Features: 2012 Fiat 500 vs. 2012 Honda Fit

Both the Honda Fit and Fiat 500 start in the mid-$15,000 range. Both models are fairly well-equipped right out of the gate with keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories and stereo available all available as standard features. However, it should be noted that the standard stereo for the Fiat is a 6-speaker setup, while the Honda Fit makes do with a 4-speaker design.

A Sport package is available on both vehicles. The Fit Sport offers 16-inch wheels, rear spoiler, body kit, foglights, steering-wheel controls, shift paddles, Bluetooth and more. The Fiat Sport delivers retuned steering, firmer suspension, roof spoiler, foglamps, sport seats, 16-inch wheels and more. For even more styling panache, the turbocharged Fiat 500 Abarth is also available.

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