Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 22 advantages that the Mitsubishi i-MiEV has over the Fiat 500.

Powertrain Warranty

Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Fiat's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.

			Powertrain Warranty Months		Powertrain Warranty Miles
	i-MiEV		60		60000
	500		48		50000

Airbags

Both the i-MiEV and the 500 feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The i-MiEV is heavier than the 500, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

			Curb Weight AT
	i-MiEV		2,579 lbs.
	500		2,434 lbs.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The i-MiEV is longer than the 500, 144.7 in. vs. 139.6 in.

The i-MiEV is equipped with Standard RWD.

Interior Space

The i-MiEV has more passenger volume than the 500, 84.7 cu. ft. vs. 75.6 cu. ft.

The i-MiEV has more interior space than the 500 in the following areas:

			Hip Room, Front		Shoulder Room, Front		Hip Room, Rear		Shoulder Room, Rear
	i-MiEV		49.4 in.		54.8 in.		47.8 in.		54.8 in.
	500		47.9 in.		49.4 in.		42.6 in.		46.4 in.

Cargo Space

The i-MiEV has 13.2 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 9.5 cu. ft. in the 500. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

The Standard second row split seat allows i-MiEV owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A second row split seat is Not Available in the 500.

The i-MiEV features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Not Available in the 500.

The i-MiEV offers a Optional cargo net that helps secure packages or groceries, while in the 500 a cargo net is Not Available.

Chassis

The i-MiEV, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 6.1 in. vs. 4.1 in., is more capable than the 500 of traversing rough terrain without problems.

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the i-MiEV is greater than that of the 500. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

			Track, Front
	i-MiEV		55.9 in.
	500		55.4 in.

The i-MiEV's wheelbase is longer than the 500's, 100.4 in. vs. 90.6 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

The i-MiEV is narrower than the 500, 62.4 in. vs. 64.1 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. Alloy wheels are Optional on the 500 Pop Hatchback but are offered as a Standard feature on the i-MiEV SE.

Additional Features

A heated front seat provides additional comfort in very cold weather. As shown below, a heated front seat is a feature found more often in the in the i-MiEV than the 500.

			Front Heated Seat
	i-MiEV		Standard
	500 Lounge Hatchback		Optional
	500 Pop Hatchback		Not Available
	500 Sport Hatchback		Optional

The i-MiEV SE features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the 500 Pop Hatchback.

Compact disc players offer the highest quality audio available. The i-MiEV offers a Standard CD player but it is Optional in the 500 Pop Hatchback.