Discussion
I've done something rather rash and impetuous. Have put a deposit on a 4C, and am giving back my lovely 997.2 C4S.
Having owned, in the last 5 years, an E46 M3, 996 C4S, 996 Turbo, Ferrari 360 and now the 997, it will be interesting to see how it compares.
I should never have sold the 360, and whilst Porsche's are great they lack soul, character IMHO. But a 4C, with far cheaper running costs, rarity value, looks, noise and presence it was a almost a no brainer. Especially with my advanced man maths/logic.
I know people are split on the car, but for me driving is not about pure speed or precision, I want to smile whilst driving and feel special in the car. As this is a weekend car I can live with a few 'character traits'. Probably nothing compare to the various Ducati's I've owned over the years!
I will post a full report as to my thoughts when I pick her up on Saturday - Rosso Competizione, racing and luxury pack, 700 miles.
Having owned, in the last 5 years, an E46 M3, 996 C4S, 996 Turbo, Ferrari 360 and now the 997, it will be interesting to see how it compares.
I should never have sold the 360, and whilst Porsche's are great they lack soul, character IMHO. But a 4C, with far cheaper running costs, rarity value, looks, noise and presence it was a almost a no brainer. Especially with my advanced man maths/logic.
I know people are split on the car, but for me driving is not about pure speed or precision, I want to smile whilst driving and feel special in the car. As this is a weekend car I can live with a few 'character traits'. Probably nothing compare to the various Ducati's I've owned over the years!
I will post a full report as to my thoughts when I pick her up on Saturday - Rosso Competizione, racing and luxury pack, 700 miles.
Well I picked her up on Saturday and already done 200 miles, motorway and A and B roads. First impressions:
Well simple really, she's epic.
I was genuinely close to pulling out and keeping the 911 but so glad I didn't. It is such a different car, but as something to admire, enjoy and get the juices going the 4C in a different league. It's not too bad getting in and out, it's not as wide as people seem to indicate (sounds silly as the width is the width but had no issues or squeaky bum moments), the noise is something else - especially induction, and it has so much presence. It encourages quite a lot of attention but so far all good - people want to know more about the car as opposed to asking if I have any coffee beans. The steering is fantastic, yes it can move with the road but it is really not as bad as people make out in reviews. Suspension, even the sports, is hard but not painfully so. It's remarkably comfortable on anything except for heavily potholed roads.
It's also damn fast. I mean really, really fast. Because of the noise and the low seating position it probably seems faster than it is and it is addictive. The whole package feels raw, immersive and special. I can't see why the 4C is any group test - it really is one of a kind. If I wanted precision and engineering I would have stayed with a Porsche, if I wanted a track toy I would have gone Lotus. The 4C is not as good on the road as a Cayman or 911, not as good on the track as an Exige. But I don't care one bit. Neither make me feel the way the Alfa does.
Now, bad points. Sorry, character traits. Yes, the radio is crud, there is no storage, the boot is tiny, you need allan keys to add windscreen washer fluid, have to park in particular places as you need to open the door wide enough to get in and out (and I dread the day come back to find someone has parked to close...), and there is not huge amount of soundproofing. The latter is not really a problem but at 75/80 the sports exhaust emits a drone that is a little tiring after a while.
But none of that matters. When I park the car I can't stop looking back at it; when I get home I just want to go out for a drive. It's that addictive.
If you are thinking of buying one, just do it.
If there' something particular you want to know be delighted to help. She'll be at Goodwood on Sunday (and they class it as a supercar
)
Well simple really, she's epic.
I was genuinely close to pulling out and keeping the 911 but so glad I didn't. It is such a different car, but as something to admire, enjoy and get the juices going the 4C in a different league. It's not too bad getting in and out, it's not as wide as people seem to indicate (sounds silly as the width is the width but had no issues or squeaky bum moments), the noise is something else - especially induction, and it has so much presence. It encourages quite a lot of attention but so far all good - people want to know more about the car as opposed to asking if I have any coffee beans. The steering is fantastic, yes it can move with the road but it is really not as bad as people make out in reviews. Suspension, even the sports, is hard but not painfully so. It's remarkably comfortable on anything except for heavily potholed roads.
It's also damn fast. I mean really, really fast. Because of the noise and the low seating position it probably seems faster than it is and it is addictive. The whole package feels raw, immersive and special. I can't see why the 4C is any group test - it really is one of a kind. If I wanted precision and engineering I would have stayed with a Porsche, if I wanted a track toy I would have gone Lotus. The 4C is not as good on the road as a Cayman or 911, not as good on the track as an Exige. But I don't care one bit. Neither make me feel the way the Alfa does.
Now, bad points. Sorry, character traits. Yes, the radio is crud, there is no storage, the boot is tiny, you need allan keys to add windscreen washer fluid, have to park in particular places as you need to open the door wide enough to get in and out (and I dread the day come back to find someone has parked to close...), and there is not huge amount of soundproofing. The latter is not really a problem but at 75/80 the sports exhaust emits a drone that is a little tiring after a while.
But none of that matters. When I park the car I can't stop looking back at it; when I get home I just want to go out for a drive. It's that addictive.
If you are thinking of buying one, just do it.
If there' something particular you want to know be delighted to help. She'll be at Goodwood on Sunday (and they class it as a supercar
)
Not sure I'd call it horseprevebial - I just don't think the 4C has many direct competitors, it's a somewhat unique car. If I'd just spent time in a new TT or Cayman I'd probably hate a lot about the 4C. It does move with the road, it is sparse in the cabin, the steering wheel and stereo could both be improved. It's not as good as an Exige on the track.
But, if you are so inclined, and I clearly am, that doesn't matter. It is, as an overall proposition, a wonderful piece of kit. I'd rather have fun than chase lap records or be cossetted in leather and luxury. I don't need to carry huge amounts of luggage.
Best summary is this. I used to ride on the road. The 'blade and the R1 were faster, more reliable and cheaper. But I always wanted to ride the Ducati. It's the same with the 4C - a TT might be faster point to point but that's not really the point. If you don't see that then the 4C is probably not for you. Or as someone said to me once - a Porsche is your loving and stable wife. The Alfa is your young, hot headed girlfriend. She'll drive you mad but then it's good it's awesome. (He did then describe the C63 AMG as the dirtiest mistress possible, so perhaps the metaphor is off point
)
All IMHO
But, if you are so inclined, and I clearly am, that doesn't matter. It is, as an overall proposition, a wonderful piece of kit. I'd rather have fun than chase lap records or be cossetted in leather and luxury. I don't need to carry huge amounts of luggage.
Best summary is this. I used to ride on the road. The 'blade and the R1 were faster, more reliable and cheaper. But I always wanted to ride the Ducati. It's the same with the 4C - a TT might be faster point to point but that's not really the point. If you don't see that then the 4C is probably not for you. Or as someone said to me once - a Porsche is your loving and stable wife. The Alfa is your young, hot headed girlfriend. She'll drive you mad but then it's good it's awesome. (He did then describe the C63 AMG as the dirtiest mistress possible, so perhaps the metaphor is off point
)All IMHO
Hi all, and sorry for silence. Couple of updates:
Was able to, for the first time, take her out on a road I know very well and give her a proper workout. I can't remember the last time I said 'f**k me' quite so many times (in a good way) apart from when I was in the 360. Have to say that the steering does become more lively at speed on a bumpy road but nothing that caused me worry. But the feedback is fantastic, both from the ride and the steering.
The exhaust drone is very tedious. If the Akropovic sorts this out then I might have to invest, though it's slightly annoying that having to spend money to rectify an issue.
The brakes are also quite grabby around town. On the move they are brilliant, but at slow speed its not easy progressively braking to a stop - it's more of an emergency stop! Perhaps that is just my leaden foot though.
It's back at Alfa today to have the seat lowered - clearly the previous owner was a short@rse(!), and I've asked them to check on recalls and to check brakes.
I also need to invest in a stereo and speakers that actually work. If anyone has any recommendations, gratefully received. And listen to the engine is not one! That's fine on a spirited drive but around the M25 some music would be nice - not least to drown out the exhaust!
Will let you know outcomes.
Was able to, for the first time, take her out on a road I know very well and give her a proper workout. I can't remember the last time I said 'f**k me' quite so many times (in a good way) apart from when I was in the 360. Have to say that the steering does become more lively at speed on a bumpy road but nothing that caused me worry. But the feedback is fantastic, both from the ride and the steering.
The exhaust drone is very tedious. If the Akropovic sorts this out then I might have to invest, though it's slightly annoying that having to spend money to rectify an issue.
The brakes are also quite grabby around town. On the move they are brilliant, but at slow speed its not easy progressively braking to a stop - it's more of an emergency stop! Perhaps that is just my leaden foot though.
It's back at Alfa today to have the seat lowered - clearly the previous owner was a short@rse(!), and I've asked them to check on recalls and to check brakes.
I also need to invest in a stereo and speakers that actually work. If anyone has any recommendations, gratefully received. And listen to the engine is not one! That's fine on a spirited drive but around the M25 some music would be nice - not least to drown out the exhaust!
Will let you know outcomes.
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