Thinking about becoming a "true" petrolhead.
Discussion
Hello fellow Italian stallion enthhsiasts! I have recently changed jobs which means I can now walk to work. As a result, I am thinking of changing my humble Fiat Panda 100HP for something with more bite. I am leaning towards an Alfa 147 GTA, 156 GTA or GT V6.
Are there any pros and cons between each model? Any points I should be aware for each model? I am quite techy, so jargon won't be lost on me.
Are there any pros and cons between each model? Any points I should be aware for each model? I am quite techy, so jargon won't be lost on me.
ChubiPanda said:
don't understand?
Just the way I read it through blurry eyes, looks odd written down as opposed to spoken 
techy 2 (ˈtɛtʃɪ)
— adj , techier , techiest
a variant spelling of tetchy
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tetchy?s=t
Ahum, sorry, carry on Sir...
I've owned two 3.2 GTV V6s, a 2.5 156 V6 and an Alfa 147, albeit only a twinspark. And I've have driven a GT V6.
The nicest to drive is the 2.5 156. The engine is much sweeter (though a lot less powerful) than the 3.2s. It sounds better and revs harder, too.
The handling and brakes aren't really up to the job, but for general motoring it is a peach.
I reckon the best overall package is the GT 3.2 V6 and I expect that I will buy one if I eventually wear out my 156.
Don't rule out a 147 2.0TS, as they are good fun to drive and much cheaper to buy and run than the V6s. I really enjoyed my brief fling with a little 147.
Cambelts, tensioners, water pumps, suspension bushes, gear linkages and variators on the Twinsparks. Apart from that, they are like anything else.
If it helps, I've owned over 60 cars and bikes since 1986 and the one I have enjoyed the most is my 156 2.5 Veloce.
The nicest to drive is the 2.5 156. The engine is much sweeter (though a lot less powerful) than the 3.2s. It sounds better and revs harder, too.
The handling and brakes aren't really up to the job, but for general motoring it is a peach.
I reckon the best overall package is the GT 3.2 V6 and I expect that I will buy one if I eventually wear out my 156.
Don't rule out a 147 2.0TS, as they are good fun to drive and much cheaper to buy and run than the V6s. I really enjoyed my brief fling with a little 147.
Cambelts, tensioners, water pumps, suspension bushes, gear linkages and variators on the Twinsparks. Apart from that, they are like anything else.
If it helps, I've owned over 60 cars and bikes since 1986 and the one I have enjoyed the most is my 156 2.5 Veloce.
I've not driven a GT with the 3.2, but I owned a 156 GTA SW and I do know that the GTA's are reckoned to be a much more 'focussed' car than the GT. The steering set up is quicker and the chassis generally more 'aggressive'.
Out of the cars that ran the 3.2 Engine, I'd have another 156 SW again in my view it's big enough to be 'grown up' but still handy enough to be really good fun on a back road.
Also to be fair, all the Cars derived from the 156 (147 and GT) suffer from issues with underdamping and appear to benefit from some of the better aftermarket suspension kits and a strut brace.
As ever best advise would be drive some of each type you are considering and choose for yourself which suits your own needs.
Out of the cars that ran the 3.2 Engine, I'd have another 156 SW again in my view it's big enough to be 'grown up' but still handy enough to be really good fun on a back road.
Also to be fair, all the Cars derived from the 156 (147 and GT) suffer from issues with underdamping and appear to benefit from some of the better aftermarket suspension kits and a strut brace.
As ever best advise would be drive some of each type you are considering and choose for yourself which suits your own needs.
Owned a 156 GTA and 2 147 GTA's.
The 147 is insane, but in a good way. It's the quicker of the 3 being a bit lighter.
The 156 handles better, but has harder seats which some people complain about.
The GT is a cruiser a little softer but very comfortable. It is mapped differently so not quite so savage on the acceleration like the 147 GTA.
The GT and 147 basically share the same design of interior. The GT has frameless windows.
The GTA's have specific dials which are quite cool.
Factory sat navs are crap so don't go out of your way to get a car with one.
I'd go do some test drives see what you prefer.
The 147 is insane, but in a good way. It's the quicker of the 3 being a bit lighter.
The 156 handles better, but has harder seats which some people complain about.
The GT is a cruiser a little softer but very comfortable. It is mapped differently so not quite so savage on the acceleration like the 147 GTA.
The GT and 147 basically share the same design of interior. The GT has frameless windows.
The GTA's have specific dials which are quite cool.
Factory sat navs are crap so don't go out of your way to get a car with one.
I'd go do some test drives see what you prefer.
Edited by V6GTA on Monday 4th June 21:26
156 GTA SW would be my choice. OK the saloon does feel a bit sharper due to the stiffer shell but the SW adds that extra dose of practicality and in my opinion hides its's age better. Personally I found the seats superb in the one I had, drove it to Palermo with no aches or pains! 147 GTA is a great car but just doesn't feel as grown up and I don't feel the interior feels as special. GT 3.2 again is a great car but it doesn't stand out from the run of the mill GT's, does feel a little softer and any car registered after late March 2006 will be subject to £470 annual RFL.
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