Sizing up the 500
This version was originally aimed at European drivers who wanted to look like they were driving the classic little Fiat but all the while enjoying the benefits of a clean, safe, modern car. Of course, it's also really good for getting around narrow roads in ancient European cities while using precious 21st century gasoline.
We don't know yet what engine the North American 500 will have but in Europe the most powerful available engine -- excluding high-performance Abarth versions -- is a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces a little under 100 horsepower. That might sound underpowered, but this car only weighs about 2,000 pounds. That's 500 pounds less than a Honda Fit which gets by with 117 horsepower.
NEXT: Selling the 500
