Alfa Brera vs new Spider
Discussion
Okay in a quest to find an economical yet sporty car, i have a (through the help of a friend) happened across the new Alfa spider 2.4D.
Took one out for a spin today, and i have to say i was impressed with the build quality and the car overall - though the performance was a little dissapointing for a 210bhp engine.
My question really is, the spider obviously suffers due to the extra weight over the brera - so is the brera that much faster? And what about handling/practicality?
Any owners can shed some light on either car - what they are like to live with and any known problems?
Thanks in advance.
Took one out for a spin today, and i have to say i was impressed with the build quality and the car overall - though the performance was a little dissapointing for a 210bhp engine.
My question really is, the spider obviously suffers due to the extra weight over the brera - so is the brera that much faster? And what about handling/practicality?
Any owners can shed some light on either car - what they are like to live with and any known problems?
Thanks in advance.
I've had a Brera 2.4 JTDM SV for 18 months now, and have racked up 28000 miles.
I've loved every mile in it and its getting better with age. It's a beautiful car IMO and it's looks haven't grown stale - I still love seeing it in front of the house. They get slagged off by BMW coupe, TT and 350Z owners but I tried all those and still settled on the Brera. I didn't want an out and out sports car, just an well-equipped, individual, refined grand tourer coupe with a hint of practicality. The Brera fits the bill perfectly, and is reasonably economical too with the diesel engine.
I'm not surprised to hear you think that it feels a little underpowered for a 210bhp car, but chances are it was brand new. Once they get past 5000 miles they loosen up wonderfully, and its a car that really loves to be driven on a wave of mid-range torque. Once you get used to that style of driving, stirring the great 6 speed box, you can really keep it on the boil. We've had some great trips up on Scottish A roads. Just don't expect it to be an Elise.
Must-have options include the Bose stereo and 18in wheels. Otherwise, the SV has pretty much everything you need.
As for the Alfa unreliability, well, the only visits to the dealer have been to collect it when new and to take it for routine servicing. Nothing rattles or has fallen off. I'm keeping hold of this one...
If that sounds like what you need, then go for it. They're not for everyone, but if you have a soft spot for big GT coupes, rather than stiff-riding circuit-honed sportscars, then it's worth a serious look.
I've loved every mile in it and its getting better with age. It's a beautiful car IMO and it's looks haven't grown stale - I still love seeing it in front of the house. They get slagged off by BMW coupe, TT and 350Z owners but I tried all those and still settled on the Brera. I didn't want an out and out sports car, just an well-equipped, individual, refined grand tourer coupe with a hint of practicality. The Brera fits the bill perfectly, and is reasonably economical too with the diesel engine.
I'm not surprised to hear you think that it feels a little underpowered for a 210bhp car, but chances are it was brand new. Once they get past 5000 miles they loosen up wonderfully, and its a car that really loves to be driven on a wave of mid-range torque. Once you get used to that style of driving, stirring the great 6 speed box, you can really keep it on the boil. We've had some great trips up on Scottish A roads. Just don't expect it to be an Elise.
Must-have options include the Bose stereo and 18in wheels. Otherwise, the SV has pretty much everything you need.
As for the Alfa unreliability, well, the only visits to the dealer have been to collect it when new and to take it for routine servicing. Nothing rattles or has fallen off. I'm keeping hold of this one...
If that sounds like what you need, then go for it. They're not for everyone, but if you have a soft spot for big GT coupes, rather than stiff-riding circuit-honed sportscars, then it's worth a serious look.
i'm still around 
and grateful for the info - if you read the OP it does say 'thanks in advance' thus negating a requirement to return on a daily basis to thank everyone for their contribution.
While my friend is still pushing the issue, based on your information, and feedback on the economy, and the simple fact it drove like a FWD hatch, I am less inclined by the car, and am going to go look at an Elise to see if that is more what im after..
But thankyou very much for your help!
and grateful for the info - if you read the OP it does say 'thanks in advance' thus negating a requirement to return on a daily basis to thank everyone for their contribution.
While my friend is still pushing the issue, based on your information, and feedback on the economy, and the simple fact it drove like a FWD hatch, I am less inclined by the car, and am going to go look at an Elise to see if that is more what im after..
But thankyou very much for your help!
yes, i had read and digested the information, and was very grateful for it - I just hadnt really moved on so had nothing to add..
And yes, i guess thats what I didnt like about the Spider - being an alfa 'sports car' I just expected it to feel a lot more special than it did.
No doubt the elise will be too hardcore and i'll end up with another 996 or something!
And yes, i guess thats what I didnt like about the Spider - being an alfa 'sports car' I just expected it to feel a lot more special than it did.
No doubt the elise will be too hardcore and i'll end up with another 996 or something!
Edited by Fidgits on Friday 8th February 15:58
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