147 or 156 gta?....

[Pommygranite]

Sat at the airport dreaming and really can't decide between which is the better to own and/or drive.

Used to own a boggo 156 and feel drawn back.

Both of the are similiar-ish price wise, the 147 looks more modern but the 156 interior is nicer. Running costs must be the same.

So if you had to choose, which one?

Also what upgrades are recommended and how much (LSD, brakes, suspension etc)?

[herbialfa]

I'd go for the 147 GTA!

Having owned both 156 & 147 (but not GTA's) the 147 has the better build quality!

LSD is the first thing you should do!

If you go down the 156 route make sure the discs have been upgraded to 330's

[P17_GTA]

I was in the same situation last year and went for the 147.

I do like the 156, had a 2.0 TS some years ago but I dont need the 4/5 doors, and with the 147 being released slightly later it is more modern feeling, slighty better built and has more kit.

I also like the seats better as they dont have the centre bit that move about at the front.

Those were my reasons for choosing the 147, going on looks alone I couldn't decide.

Think the 147 still looks great for being 6 years old!

[pano amo]

I've had both and prefer the 147 gta. It's definitely better built, better screwed together. Its also got much more comfortable seats. The Seats in the 147 and 156 GTA are not the same! Everyone who sat in my 156 gta (including me) thought the seats were too hard.

Handling-wise though, the 156 gta has it. But having added a q2 and koni FSD's to my 147, the car is simply superb.

Both great cars really. Neither is the wrong choice. You must be drawn to one over the other. If so, pick it.

[BussoV6]

I dove both and prefered the way the 147 drives.
I also prefer the styling of the 147 GTA over the 156 GTA, both inside and out.
Drive both and then decide!
The Q2 diff upgrade is a must - the O/E diffs just aren't strong enough, and when they fail they can crack the gearbox casing. It also transforms the way the car drives - around £600 fitted at a specialist.
If the car your looking at has xenon lights check the units for condensation - not uncommon and new lights are £850 + VAT + fitting each!
There have also been issues with rust on some 156 GTA's, so check carefully.
I've had my 05 147 GTA for just over a year and its truly fantastic. Every drive is an event.

[swanny71]

I drove both back to back when they where brand new and the 156 felt better screwed together and more importantly the most special. Drove 2 or 3 used examples of each when I was eventually in a position to buy and again for me the 156 GTA was the one to go for.

I've now owned mine for 3 years and ishe still feels special (and quick enough even after driving the Griff) and have absolutely no intention of changing.

Either way I reckon you'll be happy if you choose a good one!

[TimR69]

What about a GT 3.2?

[Pommygranite]

TimR69 said:

What about a GT 3.2?

Cost as i'm not sure there are many round for $8k. Or am i wrong?

Slower than both?

[TimR69]

Shouldn't be.

It's down 10BHP but since it's based on the 156 floorpan with the 147 GTA front end on it I doubt it'll be any slower.

There's a black 54 reg with 56k miles for £8k on autotrader (that I'm studiously ignoring because I really want it )

[pritt stick]

TimR69 said:

Shouldn't be.

It's down 10BHP but since it's based on the 156 floorpan with the 147 GTA front end on it I doubt it'll be any slower.

There's a black 54 reg with 56k miles for £8k on autotrader (that I'm studiously ignoring because I really want it )

Same here...


It looks like a regular JTD version too, since it doesnt have any of the GTA tinsel which it obviously doesnt need.

I reckon if you had any of the 3 - 147, 156 or GT - you would be happy

[LongLiveTazio]

Running costs, mpg, noise?... Specialist insurers?

I keep looking at other stuff as I'm due something tastier in November but keep looking at Alfas. GTVs, 166s, 147/156 GTAs...

Absolute max of £10k to spend, preferably less.

[Menguin]

My sister has a black GT 3.2 with tan leather. It looks and goes as fast as a GTA. It really comes down to what you want it to look like - the build is best on the GT as most are newer - you'll be able to get a 2006 for £10k - but I do like the extreme looks of the 147.

[Chimune]

I havnt driven a 147GTA, but have owned a 156 GTA for 1.5 yrs now. The general consensus on various AR forums seems to be the 147 GTA is totally insane - the 156 is more refined. Its also big. The boot is huuge and the interior is spacious. A smidge slower than a 147 but a higher top speed.

they are really v different cars - one must appeal to you more than the other. Thats the one to buy !

Oh and do budget for the Q2 (~600 fitted) and possibly some Koni FSDs (~600 fitted) - the factory dampers are not up to UK B roads. After you do those, your car will be extrodinary - as it should have been when it left the Italy.

Shout if you want any more info !

[Chimune]

Menguin said:

My sister has a black GT 3.2 with tan leather. It looks and goes as fast as a GTA. ...

Nice, but it wont be as fast as a GTA ....on paper or otherwise:


From here: http://www.rsportscars.com/

2006 Alfa Romeo GT Coupe 3.2 V6 Specifications
Power bhp: 240
Torque lb-ft: 213
Weight (kg): 1410
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:6.7
Top Speed mph : 151

2002 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA Specifications
Power bhp: 250
Torque lb-ft: 221
Weight (kg): 1485
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:6.3
Top Speed mph : 153

Edited by Chimune on Friday 4th September 14:32

[Menguin]

Weird.. How does that work? Only slightly down on power, but less weight.

[jezb]

Cough cough, you should buy my 156 gta in the adds, only £6.5k

Prefer the 156 looks wise but not driven the 147 gta so cant compare really.

What ever you get enjoy it, they're great

[Chimune]

Not really sure Menguin, but i think the only main difference between engines is the mapping.
Perhaps the GT doesnt get to 62mph in 2nd ?

[BussoV6]

Yes, the engine in the GT V6 and GTA's is the same, its just mapped differently in the GTA.