Last updated August 4, 2026
The FIAT 500 Abarth lineup has two versions of the same small performance car. The Base Model is the fixed-roof hot hatch, built around turbo power, firm handling, a louder exhaust, and Abarth styling. The Convertible, called Cabrio, keeps that performance-focused character and adds a power-folding cloth roof for open-air driving.
Called base in listings, the Base Model trim level is the fixed-roof Abarth hot hatch, known for turning the small FIAT 500 into a firmer, louder, turbocharged performance car.
Best for: Drivers who want the core Abarth experience in a small fixed-roof hatchback.
Highlights
Called Cabrio in listings, the Convertible trim level is the open-air Abarth, pairing the hatchback's turbocharged performance character with a power-folding cloth top.
Best for: Drivers who want Abarth's firm handling and distinctive exhaust sound with the added fun of open-air driving.
Highlights
Adds a three-position power-folding cloth top while retaining the turbo engine, performance suspension, and tuned exhaust of the fixed-roof Abarth.
0 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Convertible |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | base5 in stock | Cabrio0 in stock |
| Roof style | Fixed-roof hatchback | Power-folding cloth top |
| Open-air roof settings | Fixed roof | Three positions |
| Front seats | Sport front seats | High-back performance bucket seats |
| Touchscreen equipment | In recent years: 7-inch touchscreen | 5-inch touchscreen |
| Phone and audio features | In recent years: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Bluetooth streaming and voice command |
Not in the usual sense. The Abarth hatchback is already the full performance model rather than a stripped entry trim. In earlier years, the main alternative was the Abarth Cabrio with its power-folding cloth roof.
“Base” usually identifies the standard Abarth hatchback, not a low-spec regular 500. It still has the turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, louder dual exhaust, sport seats, and Abarth styling.
The Cabrio is the open-air version sold in the earlier part of the Abarth's U.S. run. It uses a three-position power-folding cloth top while retaining the turbo engine, sport suspension, performance seats, and tuned dual exhaust.
The roof is the defining difference. The hatchback has a fixed metal roof, while the earlier Cabrio uses a power-folding cloth top with three positions and a fixed glass rear window. Both retain the core Abarth performance character.
No. The Cabrio keeps the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, performance suspension, Abarth rear stabilizer bar, and tuned dual exhaust. Its major change is the folding cloth roof, not a softer powertrain or chassis setup.
No. When the two body styles were sold together, both used the Abarth turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. The Cabrio’s place in the lineup was about open-air driving rather than extra power.
No trim was defined by its transmission. Both body styles initially used a five-speed manual, and used examples from 2015 onward may have a six-speed automatic. The transmission should be checked on the individual car.
Pick the hatchback if you want the simpler fixed-roof version or are shopping among the later model years. Pick the earlier Cabrio if open-air driving matters more; it keeps the same basic turbocharged Abarth formula.
The hatchback is the more straightforward year-round choice because it has a fixed metal roof. The Cabrio suits someone who values its power-folding cloth top and open-air feel enough to make that the deciding feature.
No. The standard hatchback already has the defining Abarth equipment, including the turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, performance brakes, sport seats, louder dual exhaust, and model-specific styling.
The later 2019 Abarth hatchback has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Earlier cars used older audio or touchscreen systems, so those phone-integration features should not be assumed across the full run.
The 5-inch touchscreen became standard across the Abarth lineup for 2016, including the hatchback and that year's Cabrio. It includes Bluetooth audio streaming and voice commands but is different from the later 7-inch system.
The 7-inch digital gauge cluster arrived across the Abarth lineup for 2015. On the Cabrio, it includes Abarth-specific graphics and a turbo boost gauge. Earlier examples use the older instrument layout.