RE: Alpine A110 vs. Porsche 718 Cayman
Discussion
Schmed said:
More mid engine sports cars, good.
But actually buying a 50 grand ‘Renault’ ? No chance.
It’s an Alpine, not a Renault. In the same way a 911 isn’t a VW Beetle.But actually buying a 50 grand ‘Renault’ ? No chance.
Who’d pay 100 grand for an Audi or 70k for a Honda.
Plenty of people like and rate the R8 and NSX (not a great looking car IMO).
Nerdherder said:
ben5575 said:
I don't get the '£50k Renault' thing either. Surely that's no worse than the 'poor man's 911' cliche which is true and actually more embarrassing?
Totally agreed. "a sense of boundless, zesty acceleration"
Regarding the list price / sales of the A110 -- they not only sold out the PE quickly, the car is also trading for ~€ 70k at the moment (Germany, France). Let's see how long this will last, but with the limited production numbers I guess it's going to be a while before I can afford one :-/. If they don't go crazy with maintenance costs, it should be a good bit cheaper to run and own than the Porsche.
The name of the game; WEIGHT
Al modern cars are far to heavy, it makes them dull and lifeless in driving experience. You can't beat physics.
So kudos for the Alpine, 1100kg is a masterpiece compared by current weight standards.
I've driven all kind of BMW M`s, my current M2 is nice and all, but 1550 kg is a shame for such a car, I used to own a 981CGTS, nice yes, but 1400kg, so they are all obese.
A long, very long time ago, I used to own a Honda CRX 1.6i VTEC, 1010 kg, 160 HP, it was the nicest drive of them al.
Al modern cars are far to heavy, it makes them dull and lifeless in driving experience. You can't beat physics.
So kudos for the Alpine, 1100kg is a masterpiece compared by current weight standards.
I've driven all kind of BMW M`s, my current M2 is nice and all, but 1550 kg is a shame for such a car, I used to own a 981CGTS, nice yes, but 1400kg, so they are all obese.
A long, very long time ago, I used to own a Honda CRX 1.6i VTEC, 1010 kg, 160 HP, it was the nicest drive of them al.
Edited by Romo on Saturday 1st September 12:06
I nearly ordered an Alpine when the app was 1st released. After seeing one on the road the other day though, I was fairly disappointed with it's looks. I can't quite put my finger on it, it didn't seem to have the presence I was expecting.
Still have one over a boring Boxster though.
Still have one over a boring Boxster though.
As per a previous poster, this is a modern interpretation of the original. It goes to show how the original was such a good looking car. My Burago Alpine was much loved as a child!
The good things about this car: dimensions and weight seem a real step forward. My bugbear is the width of so many modern cars. I saw this at Goodwood and compared to the new Vantage (say) it looks amazingly usable on British roads. Also lower weight, and smaller dimensions mean a smaller engine gives 'enough' performance.....
Questionable things: gearbox.....ok so this is the future, but I like a manual. The design in the flesh is pretty good, but like so many cars at the moment designers are making them so fussy. The big swage line running down to the real wheel looks clumsy, certainly compared to the original. Too many spoilers and creases abound these days, no doubt all in the name of downforce (and can someone please now kill Bangle vision?) , but the purity and simplicity of a cars lines so often succeed because 'less is more'. The Alpine is reasonable in that regard, but not stunning.
All IMHO of course....
The good things about this car: dimensions and weight seem a real step forward. My bugbear is the width of so many modern cars. I saw this at Goodwood and compared to the new Vantage (say) it looks amazingly usable on British roads. Also lower weight, and smaller dimensions mean a smaller engine gives 'enough' performance.....
Questionable things: gearbox.....ok so this is the future, but I like a manual. The design in the flesh is pretty good, but like so many cars at the moment designers are making them so fussy. The big swage line running down to the real wheel looks clumsy, certainly compared to the original. Too many spoilers and creases abound these days, no doubt all in the name of downforce (and can someone please now kill Bangle vision?) , but the purity and simplicity of a cars lines so often succeed because 'less is more'. The Alpine is reasonable in that regard, but not stunning.
All IMHO of course....
Porsche911R said:
It’s an automatic, so that’s that really, a none starter for most people.
It feels a bit of a camp car to me, I expect a few men in salmon chino's at a few events to be stepping out the cars !
Most people? I'm sure you are not referring to the majority of Porsche buyers who order PDK cars these days?It feels a bit of a camp car to me, I expect a few men in salmon chino's at a few events to be stepping out the cars !
It's a sad state of affairs but I also think the salmon trouser lot are responsible for a large number of sport car purchases these days so it's a bit unfair to class it as an Alpine phenomenon.
williamp said:
Alpine for me. Afterall, if its good enough for this fellow whose just got one..
On Twitter, Instagram etc I've seen a few people post photos of theirs. There's many well know driving enthusiasts with multiple car garages who have taken delivery of theirs. And I get that,as I do with Gordon above. I'm sure it's a blast to drive. But if you've got £50k to buy 1 car in maybe a 2 car garage, I think the Porsche makes more sense. Why does the article compare every Lotus except the Elise, when the Elise 220 is a direct competitor, £7k cheaper and lighter? It's not new, but if it ain't broke...
The A110 sits between Cayman and Elise in many respects so surely any buyer would at least consider a manual, supercharged, lighter Elise. They aren't that 'raw'.
The A110 sits between Cayman and Elise in many respects so surely any buyer would at least consider a manual, supercharged, lighter Elise. They aren't that 'raw'.
RJG46 said:
aelord said:
The French thing looks like a Hyundai Coupe from the front. And looks just s
t at the rear. Styling disaster and weak sales will result.
I gues that’s why the Premiere Edition sold out in five days.t at the rear. Styling disaster and weak sales will result.What matters is how the driver focused 'Pure' edition sells, that will be more telling.
I think one of those with a manual would be the pick.
The Vambo said:
Porsche911R said:
It’s an automatic, so that’s that really, a none starter for most people.
That sentence is demonstrably so wrong that I actually feel sorry for you.
Can't stand autos in sports cars myself but it's pretty obvious that "most people" want them or manufacturers wouldn't be making their cars auto only. Swalsey said:
Why does the article compare every Lotus except the Elise, when the Elise 220 is a direct competitor, £7k cheaper and lighter? It's not new, but if it ain't broke...
The A110 sits between Cayman and Elise in many respects so surely any buyer would at least consider a manual, supercharged, lighter Elise. They aren't that 'raw'.
The A110 sits between Cayman and Elise in many respects so surely any buyer would at least consider a manual, supercharged, lighter Elise. They aren't that 'raw'.
Gearing/weight/size, Porsche is clearly a daily.
Elise is the best for a blast, with some touring possibilities.
Alpine does seem to straddle both, and quite well, apparently.
Really this whole comparison is too charged with fanboys. Best car depends on your tastes, needs, size of fleet, and fashion.
There is no "best" car, but we should be applauding a manufacturer focusing on weight and feel rather than toys, tech and stats. There's plenty of choice for the latter.
GroundEffect said:
I'm guessing those saying the Alpine is ugly are 17yo and aren't even aware of the original A110 that it's based on?
Nicely demonstrates my only real beef - I think with the waistline another 10mm or so lower, it would look even prettier with more glass area like the original.It really is quite an attractive package in the metal.
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