Alfa 4C review...by someone with a bit of passion

[Maser Sod]

You going for the 4C?

Yeah, just ordered one. Bit of a blind punt, but since there are only 200 units a year coming to the UK, the residuals should be more than decent. Worst case scenario, I have a car that's rare, nice looking, and weighs half what the Ghibli does!

FWIW, the 2014 cars (non-LE) retail for 45K. I wouldn't have paid more for one.

 

[Andyk]

I love Alfas but wouldn't buy a 4C, however I would rather buy a 4C secondhand than an the Jag F. It's not about which is the better car it's which has that something special, that bit of character that make you say thank you.

I recon the F is a pretty special car and will have bags of character.....from what I've seen from the Alfa's interior the F will looks and will feel specila inside as well.......Thats not to say I'm saying the Alfa will not have character as with all Alfas it will by the bucket load.......But the noise and that V6 in the F would win me over I think...not forgettting the looks.......

 

[Andyk]

Yeah, just ordered one. Bit of a blind punt, but since there are only 200 units a year coming to the UK, the residuals should be more than decent. Worst case scenario, I have a car that's rare, nice looking, and weighs half what the Ghibli does!

FWIW, the 2014 cars (non-LE) retail for 45K. I wouldn't have paid more for one.

Well done MS...Look forward to seeing her in the flesh.....I know CPE off here has one on order and his delivery date has just been put back to April...When's yours due mate...and more important what colour you going for...

 

[Maser Sod]

Yeah, been in touch with him about options. I have to spec my car first before I get a delivery date, but given that just a handful are built a day in Modena, I'm guessing that I won't see it before the end of the summer.

Ref. the F comparison to the 4C, I think they are very different cars. To me, the 4C should be compared to something like an Elise - it's that type of car. The focus is on lightness and agility. The F Type is about 700 kilos heavier, and packs a 3 litre or 5 litre powerplant, compared to the Alfa's 1.7L 4 pot. They don't even appear to be in the same price bracket: a spec'ed up 3.0 F Type looks like it costs a tickle under 70K, whilst the 4C is 45K before options.

So a case of comparing apples and oranges surely, other than they are both 2 seaters?

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind an F type, but I don't feel like spending nearly 50% more. (And I'll also admit to the fact that I like to be seen in a rare car.)

 

[BennyD]

I tried to make a comparison between the two in #15. Yes, they are very different cars but, IMO, in 2-3 years the second hand values may be very similar.

 

[bigbob]

Really, they are all Fiats now!

The 4C is made in Modena, as I believe was the 8C, which essentially had a Maserati V8 lump. The Ghibli, conversely, is made in Turin?

Meanwhile, Alfa is given twin clutch technology, first seen in Ferrari, whilst Maserati still has to wait for it ... go figure.

All very confusing. But I'd rather be in an Italian car than anything else.

What you say is all true.

Got a wet weight for one yet?

 

[Maser Sod]

Dry weight is supposedly 895kg. So wet weight, dunno, about 7-8% up on that?

 

[bigbob]

Yep I guessing about 70kg for oil, fuel, brake fluid, coolant and I guess screenwash! It's silly that they don't publish a wet weight. Even Ferrari now publish both.

 

[c4sman]

If we bought the *best cars* every time, then we would all be driving Porsche's, not Maserati's!!!.

Some of us choose both

But seriously, the 4C is a brave step but seems to fall in an odd slot. I know many on here think all Porsches are dull, but for my £50K a lightly used cayman s or f type seem more special due to their more exotic engines, and the actually have plenty of character.

 

[Andyk]

Don't think I've ever driven as Porsche that has felt dull...Great cars......The latest Cayman is just an amazing car to drive and be in. Moved the game on agaian for a what a Sports car that can be used everyday should be like.

 

[Maser Sod]

Some cars are amazing to drive, they just feel so planted and 'correct'. Others are less perfect, but are perhaps more of an 'event'. I think a Maserati falls into the latter category.

Call me odd, but I actually enjoy the certain foibles and imperfections of cars, it makes me extend my driving skills. My Kia diesel, for instance, is horribly flat in the lower rev ranges but you can 'launch' it by dabbing the clutch whilst your foot is on the loud pedal.

Having said the above, a good steering rack is probably the one thing though that I can't live without. The last GranSport I had was excellent in this regard (felt a little better, oddly, than the previous GS), however the new QP I recently drove fell short, and consequently I began to doubt how good the new Ghibli might be.

I think the Porsche Cayman kicks the butt of almost anything. But Cayman vs 4C actually will not be a choice for most, due to the low number of production units and associated waiting list for the latter.

I think the 4C will be somewhat like the 8C in terms of perception: quickly forgotten after launch, a bit quirky, but appreciated when seen.

 

[dem maser]

Good luck Pat.....cant wait to see her

 

[bigbob]

Sounds great. Got a price list to share?