Re: The car's weight

Posted by RacerRon on
URL: http://fiat-500-usa-forum-archives.194.s1.nabble.com/The-car-s-weight-tp2810103p2812928.html

People don't realize that the X1/9 enjoyed a long production run (about 15 years) with essentially the same body style. There was one major update in 1979 that included a larger engine, 5-speed, and updated interior. When Fiat pulled out and Bertone took over production in the early 80s the car remained pretty much unchanged. If only Fiat had done an Abarth version of this car for the street. There was an Abarth version of the X1/9 strictly for racing. The X1/9 was just way underpowered, especially for it's chassis, which as overbuilt. 61 hp for the 1300cc smog-controlled U.S. version!

The mass-produced, inexpensive mid-engined X1/9 even got other manufacturers interested in a mid-engine layout. Remember GM's Fiero? Not terribly successful and it had it's share of problems. It was also bigger and heavier.