Advice Please - 156 2.0 or 2.5 V6 ??
Discussion
Hi guys,
I've finally giving into my desire to own a 156, I just need to work out which is the once for me!
I'm torn between the 2.0 and a 2.5 V6.
Obviously, the V6 is gruntier, but does it cost a lot more to run?
What is a realist MPG for each engine?
Also, am I right to stay clear of a selespeed box?
Oh, and one last thing, is there any visual way to tell if a 156 has a sport pack fitted?
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
I look forward to posting pics, and joining a lot more discussions once I’ve made a purchase!
Darren.
I've finally giving into my desire to own a 156, I just need to work out which is the once for me!
I'm torn between the 2.0 and a 2.5 V6.
Obviously, the V6 is gruntier, but does it cost a lot more to run?
What is a realist MPG for each engine?
Also, am I right to stay clear of a selespeed box?
Oh, and one last thing, is there any visual way to tell if a 156 has a sport pack fitted?
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
I look forward to posting pics, and joining a lot more discussions once I’ve made a purchase!
Darren.
Performance wise the 2.5 is a bit quicker on paper, but I doubt there's any serious difference on the road. V6 engines tend to be more durable than the Twin Sparks and have 'that' sound (though the TS sounds great for a 4 pot, very beefy). Belt changes cost more on the V6, but are scheduled less frequently than the TS. Also the V6's are heavier in the nose, though I don't know how much it affects the handling.
AFAIK all Sportpack and Veloce versions had 16" wheels (Veloce's had teledials, I assume the same for Sportpacks), side skirts, lowered suspension and black + orange dials. The majority came with the leather interior and some had Recaro's.
AFAIK all Sportpack and Veloce versions had 16" wheels (Veloce's had teledials, I assume the same for Sportpacks), side skirts, lowered suspension and black + orange dials. The majority came with the leather interior and some had Recaro's.
As Symbolica says there may not be much difference on the road but the V6 just has that urge that is missing from the 4 pot. Plus of course the soundtrack.
As for running costs the cambelt is a £600 job every 72K or 5 years whereas the 2.0TS is every 36K or 3 years I think. It is however a slightly cheaper job.
As for fuel consumption reckon on 26mpg unless you really rag it in which case it'll easily hit low 20's. Don't know what the TS is but I'd be surprised if you could regularly hit 30mpg. Another factor is the oil consumption - the TS is known to drink at quite a rate although it varies from car to car. By contrast the V6 really doesn't use any at all from my experience.
Not sure about the Sportpack. Mine is the Veloce with Recaro seats and a modest wing on the back. I thought the S/pack included the massive and ugly wing but I'm open to be corrected on that. Finally, owing to the perceived additional running costs of the V6 the prices tend to be lower than an equivalent TS.
As for running costs the cambelt is a £600 job every 72K or 5 years whereas the 2.0TS is every 36K or 3 years I think. It is however a slightly cheaper job.
As for fuel consumption reckon on 26mpg unless you really rag it in which case it'll easily hit low 20's. Don't know what the TS is but I'd be surprised if you could regularly hit 30mpg. Another factor is the oil consumption - the TS is known to drink at quite a rate although it varies from car to car. By contrast the V6 really doesn't use any at all from my experience.
Not sure about the Sportpack. Mine is the Veloce with Recaro seats and a modest wing on the back. I thought the S/pack included the massive and ugly wing but I'm open to be corrected on that. Finally, owing to the perceived additional running costs of the V6 the prices tend to be lower than an equivalent TS.
caiss4 said:
Not sure about the Sportpack. Mine is the Veloce
The SportPack name was replaced by the Veloce designation in 2000(ish). It's the same car.All SportPacks had the lower/firmer suspension, sideskirts, 16" teledials, carbon look dash. SP1 had cloth seats, SP2 had Recaros, SP3 had leather. The rear wing was just an option and could be had on any SP variant.
All Veloces had cloth Recaros. Leather was an option and is sometimes seen listed as Veloce LT. Post 2002 facelift there was also the expensive and rare (but superb!) leather sports seats - only availble in black with red stitching down the centre).
You should get the V6. It won't be too much more thirsty on long runs (obviously will be when having fun) and they are definitely the more solid engine - cambelt change is less frequent etc.
Oh, and this is what they sound like:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIPdVUFgRcE
Oh, and this is what they sound like:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIPdVUFgRcE
Edited by Menguin on Friday 18th September 16:02
RicksAlfas said:
TimR69 said:
Will the economy on the Twin Spark really struggle to reach 30 in normal use?
I'd be expecting mid 30s for a bit of A road and motorway cruising at the speed limit.
Is that feasible?
Just about.I'd be expecting mid 30s for a bit of A road and motorway cruising at the speed limit.
Is that feasible?
Especially if you go downhill a lot.
I'm thinking about getting one to use for day to day running and for the Mrs to use to visit her mum - 50 miles away by motorway - but also to mildly uprate (brakes & suspension) for occasional trackdays.
V6 for the sound 
but practicalities I went for a 2.0TS. I get low 30s no problem which is all A roads and motorways plus a few very short 3 mile trips. If you get 26 from a V6 that's good but I wonder if temptation might make it 24/25 This was another reason for the TS, the XKR manages 22mpg
but practicalities I went for a 2.0TS. I get low 30s no problem which is all A roads and motorways plus a few very short 3 mile trips. If you get 26 from a V6 that's good but I wonder if temptation might make it 24/25 This was another reason for the TS, the XKR manages 22mpg Had an original 98 2.0TS lusso which was our first Alfa, lovely car
great engine and well put together, except for the variator.
Changed that for an early 2.0JTS lusso, best described as rubbish!
Now have one of the last 2.5 Veloce's with the previously mentioned
black leather sports seats, cruise, winter pack etc. Apart from being
nose heavy its absolutely fantastic. Averages 27mpg, 30 on a good run.
Sounds fantastic, more so with its SS exhaust.
The downside, it runs far better on superplus fuel,though at least using it
ours put out a measured 207 bhp. Despite that if your in the wrong gear you
can be left for dead by a diesel mondeo!! In the right gear revs over 4.500
its a different story. Brakes seem to vary from car to car.
If you can tollerate the difference in the mpg I would suggest you try both
and make up your own mind. I don't think I could go back to the TS now, but
loved it at the time.
great engine and well put together, except for the variator.
Changed that for an early 2.0JTS lusso, best described as rubbish!
Now have one of the last 2.5 Veloce's with the previously mentioned
black leather sports seats, cruise, winter pack etc. Apart from being
nose heavy its absolutely fantastic. Averages 27mpg, 30 on a good run.
Sounds fantastic, more so with its SS exhaust.
The downside, it runs far better on superplus fuel,though at least using it
ours put out a measured 207 bhp. Despite that if your in the wrong gear you
can be left for dead by a diesel mondeo!! In the right gear revs over 4.500
its a different story. Brakes seem to vary from car to car.
If you can tollerate the difference in the mpg I would suggest you try both
and make up your own mind. I don't think I could go back to the TS now, but
loved it at the time.
Thanks for all the advice guys.
Just 2 more questions now;
Does the selespeed gearbox give enough enhanced driving experience to justify any potential problems?
Does the way a sportswagon handles differ greatly from the saloon?
I thought I only wanted a saloon, but have been offered a sportwagon that seems too good to refuse...!
Thanks again,
Darren.
Just 2 more questions now;
Does the selespeed gearbox give enough enhanced driving experience to justify any potential problems?
Does the way a sportswagon handles differ greatly from the saloon?
I thought I only wanted a saloon, but have been offered a sportwagon that seems too good to refuse...!
Thanks again,
Darren.
Personally I would avoid the Selespeed unless it's really too good to miss or your left leg has just dropped off.
Original road tests found the V6 and JTD Sportwagons handled better than their saloon equivalents as the extra weight at the back helped balance the extra weight at the front of the bigger engines! On a TS it would be less beneficial. Still think the 156 Sportwagon is the best mass produced car ever.
Original road tests found the V6 and JTD Sportwagons handled better than their saloon equivalents as the extra weight at the back helped balance the extra weight at the front of the bigger engines! On a TS it would be less beneficial. Still think the 156 Sportwagon is the best mass produced car ever.
One thing worth checking out re: the Sportwagon: I've heard that Veloce sportwagons don't come with the lowered suspension that the saloon versions have. If that's true then it would noticeably affect the handing (the sport suspension makes a big difference IME). Can anybody confirm?
Symbolica said:
One thing worth checking out re: the Sportwagon: I've heard that Veloce sportwagons don't come with the lowered suspension that the saloon versions have. If that's true then it would noticeably affect the handing (the sport suspension makes a big difference IME). Can anybody confirm?
Correct. Most Sportwagons even in SportPack or Veloce spec did not have have the lower springs. They did have the firmer dampers though. There was also an optional self levelling suspension which did include "sports suspension".However! Like all things Alfa there is no consistency and my 2002 facelift Sportwagon had the lowered suspension and firmer dampers....
Having owned both TS and V6 , V6 is infinately better , more grunt , beautiful sound and a whole lot more reliable , make sure you cambelts have been done or get them done if unsure front wishbones squeak like mad when on the way out so bear that in mind when test driving and trawl alfa156.net or alfaowner.com for enthusiast owned cars and change the shoddy alfa suspension for the eibach pro kit springs and koni FSD dampers and you will be amazed at how much better the ride is .
P700DEE said:
V6 for the sound but practicalities I went for a 2.0TS. I get low 30s no problem which is all A roads and motorways plus a few very short 3 mile trips. If you get 26 from a V6 that's good but I wonder if temptation might make it 24/25 This was another reason for the TS, the XKR manages 22mpg
I get 27 from my 3.2....... just depends on the roads and use it gets I suppose as I'm not a slow driver! but practicalities I went for a 2.0TS. I get low 30s no problem which is all A roads and motorways plus a few very short 3 mile trips. If you get 26 from a V6 that's good but I wonder if temptation might make it 24/25 This was another reason for the TS, the XKR manages 22mpg P17_GTA said:
I get 27 from my 3.2....... just depends on the roads and use it gets I suppose as I'm not a slow driver!
That's pretty good because the best I got from mine was about 26.Even the missus on an economy run from Edinburgh to the East Neuk only got 26.5.
Are you taking that from the tripmeter or is it worked out 'properly'?
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