156 V6 or GTV V6?
Discussion
What started as me casually debating whether or not I should consider a GTV V6 when I change cars in a few months turned into a frantic scrabble to see if I could find the money for a nice example I spotted recently. In the end the answer was no. I had slight doubts as to whether the car was the bargain it appeared to be and then it transpired my TVR was about to generate a large bill that would wipe out half my budget for the Alfa. So the GTV hunt has been temporarily suspended...
But then I stumbled across an ad for a nice 156 V6. I prefer the looks of the GTV, I generally prefer small cars and we do have another car for family duties, so the GTV would be more than adequate for my needs. On the other hand, an extra pair of doors and a big step up in practicality would make it easier to justify to my other half, and I do plan to use it regularly (rather than simply as a weekend toy). And like-for-like a V6 156 is about half the price of a decent GTV.
If I'm honest this is partly a box ticking exercise. I've always wanted an Alfa - specifically a red Alfa with teledials, tan leather and preferably at least six cylinders. I know that sounds shallow, but it's something I'd fancied ever since I was a kid. Would I be losing out if I went for the 156? Should I expect much difference either way in maintenance or general running costs?
But then I stumbled across an ad for a nice 156 V6. I prefer the looks of the GTV, I generally prefer small cars and we do have another car for family duties, so the GTV would be more than adequate for my needs. On the other hand, an extra pair of doors and a big step up in practicality would make it easier to justify to my other half, and I do plan to use it regularly (rather than simply as a weekend toy). And like-for-like a V6 156 is about half the price of a decent GTV.
If I'm honest this is partly a box ticking exercise. I've always wanted an Alfa - specifically a red Alfa with teledials, tan leather and preferably at least six cylinders. I know that sounds shallow, but it's something I'd fancied ever since I was a kid. Would I be losing out if I went for the 156? Should I expect much difference either way in maintenance or general running costs?
jamies30 said:
Chris71 said:
And like-for-like a V6 156 is about half the price of a decent GTV.
Indeed, because...Chris71 said:
Would I be losing out if I went for the 156?
Yes. 
What's your take on the differences between them? I'm basically looking for a motorway cruiser with a sense of occasion - much as I love the idea of GTV (particularly once fitted with a Q2 etc.) I still don't see it as a B-road blaster, so I'm not too fussed if the 156 isn't quite as quick or as driver focused.
On a random note. Anyone know if either come with or can be fitted with IsoFix mounts? And I've seen a couple of different 156 V6s that have reports of emissions fails (both since remedied) on their MOT histories. Is that a common thing and is it likely to be something trivial like a sensor?
woody166 said:
More of an issue will be finding a decent 156 of that vintage.. as rust and neglect will be an overriding factor. More choice with the GTV's, GTA's and GT's. GT 3.2 is possibly the best compromise for practicality matched with the Busso engine. I run a GTV V6 3.2 but would love to get hold of a 156 V6 2.5 as a project.
I've found one. That's what prompted the question! I think I'm leaning towards the GTV, though. Presumably the running costs of a £5k GTV V6 will be similar to that of a £1.5k 156 V6?
I'm thinking we probably wouldn't use a car without Isofix as the main family car and the GTV's minimal luggage space is perfectly adequate for my requirements. So would I eventually pull up next to a shiny red GTV in my 156 saloon and wish I'd gone the whole hog? I can't afford to do that currently, but once the TVR is patched up (and possibly sold) it should be a possibility.
For what it's worth, several people have commented that the longer 156 actually feels better balanced with the V6 than the GTV does. But neither of them really strike me as cars that are about the last degree of dynamic capability. It's more style and feelgood factor. And maybe the GTV has more of both?
Ahbefive said:
A TVR and an Alfa? Glutton for punishment.
Funnily enough, that stems partly from previous experience. While my current TVR has been a little trying at times, the previous one I had was faultltessly reliable. Ditto the kit cars I've owned - built by amateurs in sheds (much like TVRs, you might say) - and yet the more stereotypically reliable cars I've had all turned out to be problematic. That made me think the stereotypes need to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Tricky one. I find the price difference between 156s and GTVs hard to justify (admittedly not having driven either for a long time). On the other hand, we'd probably want IsoFix and something a bit more frugal for the family wagon, so it would always remain my runaround ... in which case I might as well save up for a GTV.
Gah! So conflicted.
Gah! So conflicted.
woody166 said:
The GTV isn't a baby carrier. No rear room for seats and even less boot space for the pram.
Neither is my current daily driver (MX-5) to be fair. Can't see an Alfa replacing my wife's sensible Toyota, so with that sticking around for family duties I might as well go for the impractical coupe. 
I've decided to postpone the car buying for a little bit while I sort out a few other things, but I think I'm leaning towards a GTV.
Nonetheless, if anyone's considering a 156, I'd recommend taking a look at this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322418756041?ssPageName=...
Only realised after I'd emailed him about it that I know the owner and I can vouch for the fact he knows his stuff. It's also free of any past nasties on the MOT history, unlike the other 156s and GTVs I've considered.
Nonetheless, if anyone's considering a 156, I'd recommend taking a look at this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322418756041?ssPageName=...
Only realised after I'd emailed him about it that I know the owner and I can vouch for the fact he knows his stuff. It's also free of any past nasties on the MOT history, unlike the other 156s and GTVs I've considered.
DamienB said:
From my experience of owning 156s and a lot of reading up on GTVs, you can expect to spend twice as much keeping a GTV going as you can a 156, regardless of which engine is in it. Costs for V6 engine stuff (cambelt etc) seem to be broadly comparable between the two; it's suspension/brakes/exhaust stuff that will end up costing you more on the GTV.
Wow, that's quite sobering. Any idea how the later GT would compare? Have to be honest, I prefer the looks of the GTV and, coming from a Mk1 MX-5 daily driver, I'm expecting any of them to be a step up in refinement so I've sort of overlooked the GT until now.
Gassing Station | Alfa Romeo, Fiat & Lancia | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff