147 - best wheel size?
Discussion
Recently had a test drive in a pre-reg Alfa Romeo 147 1.9 JTDM Sport 3 Door Hatchback (I think the 120bhp model) for £12500. Couple of things I noticed:
1. The red paint was orange peeled quite badly (the Stomboli Grey was better, although hard to tell as it was in the showroom). Is that typical?
2. The ride was very jittery, with little feedback on fast corners. The car comes with 17" alloys and I wonder if the 16" would be a better match? In a similar drive in the Mini hatch, I noticed the steering was heavier and the ride much harsher on the 17" over the 16" (tried both).
I prefer the Alfa's style & interior (heart), but the Mini's ride quality and low servicing costs (head). Did wonder if the Mi.To was worth the wait, but having seen the gimmicky interior (like the R56 Mini) there's not much to choose there.
1. The red paint was orange peeled quite badly (the Stomboli Grey was better, although hard to tell as it was in the showroom). Is that typical?
2. The ride was very jittery, with little feedback on fast corners. The car comes with 17" alloys and I wonder if the 16" would be a better match? In a similar drive in the Mini hatch, I noticed the steering was heavier and the ride much harsher on the 17" over the 16" (tried both).
I prefer the Alfa's style & interior (heart), but the Mini's ride quality and low servicing costs (head). Did wonder if the Mi.To was worth the wait, but having seen the gimmicky interior (like the R56 Mini) there's not much to choose there.
16s ride well enough I think.
What's wrong with the MiTo interior?
I think it looks OK...
(From http://www.cuoresportivo.dk)
What's wrong with the MiTo interior?
I think it looks OK...
(From http://www.cuoresportivo.dk)
I've just been for a test drive in a GT on 18s and it was very harsh at low speeds, though OK at speed. However, it was less supple than my run-flat equipped BMW!
My gut feeling is that 16s are the best way forward on these cars. When the 156 and 147 were first launched they had 15s, with 16s on the high performance models. To keep the styling up to date they have had to go the 17/18 route, but maybe to the detriment of the dynamics
My gut feeling is that 16s are the best way forward on these cars. When the 156 and 147 were first launched they had 15s, with 16s on the high performance models. To keep the styling up to date they have had to go the 17/18 route, but maybe to the detriment of the dynamics
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