FIAT 500 vs. FIAT 500L

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the FIAT 500 and FIAT 500L contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the FIAT 500 and the FIAT 500L.

When we compare the FIAT 500's and the FIAT 500L's specifications and ratings, the FIAT 500 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The FIAT 500L has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the FIAT 500's and the FIAT 500L's specifications and ratings, the FIAT 500 is a better car than the FIAT 500L.

Pricing: A used 2019 FIAT 500 ranges from $12,190 to $20,758 while a used 2019 FIAT 500L is priced between $11,800 to $20,256.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the FIAT 500 loses 28.9 percent of its value and the FIAT 500L loses 37.7 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 500 retains 8.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the FIAT 500L.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the FIAT 500 is 8.1 out of 10 while the FIAT 500L's quality rating is 7.6 out of 10. This results in the FIAT 500 being ranked 25 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the FIAT 500L being ranked 34 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the FIAT 500 is 7.6 out of 10. For the FIAT 500L the reliability rating is 7.0 out of 10. This gives the FIAT 500 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the FIAT 500L.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the FIAT 500’s base engine makes 135 horsepower, and the FIAT 500L base engine makes 160 horsepower. The 500 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 347 miles. The 500L is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 396 miles.This gives the FIAT 500 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the FIAT 500L the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The FIAT 500L has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The FIAT 500 has an average safety rating of 4 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.