Chevy Suburban Vs Fiat 500L - Which Best Suits You For Dignitary Transportation?

When Pope Francis arrived at the White House in a Fiat 500L station wagon last month, media reports buzzed about his humble, fuel-sipping, little ride. Well ... maybe “little” when compared to the giant, Secret Service Chevy Suburbans that usually ferry Washington dignitaries. Or the custom-built, gas-guzzling Cadillac limo — Secret Service code-name “The Beast” — that President Obama tools around in (when he’s not in one of two, presidential-sealed Suburbans).

Or maybe the pope’s Vatican team went out and found the biggest Italian car sold in the States.

As prominent members of the Save the Polar Bear Club, the pope and the president might prefer, say, a battery-powered Fiat 500e subcompact (EPA rating: 116 MPGe) and a plug-in electric Chevy Volt sedan (EPA rating: 106 MPGe). But circumstances demand the opposite.

trmckin - 10/8/2015 11:52:26 AM

+1 Boost

When a fiat can move an extra 3000 lbs of bulletproof glass and armor plating, this article would make sense. US presidents and dignitaries aren't exactly the most loved or respected people on earth these days.

Agent009 - 10/8/2015 12:33:55 PM

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Makes you wonder what protected the Pope

Vette71 - 10/8/2015 1:53:14 PM

+4 Boost

The Pope was protected by thin Italian sheet metal. He stated that at age 78 he doesn't have a lot to lose, hence he'll take his chances w/o protection. When his "Boss" decides its time that's OK with Francis.

trmckin - 10/9/2015 12:11:31 AM

+2 Boost

Spot on vette

jeffgall - 10/8/2015 2:49:39 PM

0 Boost

Let's be honest. No one respects the leader of a country who diaries around in a compact (Pope aside). With that said, I'm surprised Obama is not driving around in a Prius.

TomM - 10/8/2015 3:35:00 PM

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They are deciding on replacement on those Cadillac BEASTS. I wonder if they will be any smaller. I doubt it.

Vette71 - 10/8/2015 11:58:20 PM

0 Boost

Replaced by diesel suburbans !!

MDarringer - 10/8/2015 10:46:26 PM

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If someone assassinates the Pope because he is in a 500L rather than a tank, he is a martyr and that is not a bad thing for a Pontiff, but what he gains by not being in a tank is the immediacy of being a man of the people. I applaud him for seeking to be accessible rather than aloof and distant and as a converted Catholic--I did so four years ago--I have liked this Pope from day one.