RE: Unstoppable Alfa meet immovable Audi | PH Footnote

[Gio G]

robbiekhan said:

The Audi is just a bit ghastly on the outside. Too clinical and too boring. Nothing stand out about it at all. The same goes for almost all modern Audis and BMWs and Mercs in my opinion. It's too difficult to distinguish a genuine performance/driver's car from the boggo diesel 2 litre with the sport bodykit that unless you're really up close to spot the badge or the engine note (or lack thereof).

I've always loved the QF, and would easily buy a new one if I had 60k odd lying around for a car. Android Auto also means the infotainment is a non issue for me. I'd just be adjusting the climate contort and doing everything else via my phone.

The QF is also stunningly beautiful from every angle. And the choice of alloys on the RS5.... whoever signed off on those needs shooting. They are absolutely shocking and do not suit the body style whatsoever.

It is these statements that really make me laugh.. My RS5 coupe is pretty distinguishable from a "boggo" diesel 2 litre variant, so is the Sportback. Given there is only around 900 registered in total within the UK, they are pretty rare sight on the roads, just like the QF. Maybe you are comparing an S model. No one that has seen my car in the flesh has ever called it clinical or boring..

G

[robbiekhan]

Gio G said:

It is these statements that really make me laugh.. My RS5 coupe is pretty distinguishable from a "boggo" diesel 2 litre variant, so is the Sportback. Given there is only around 900 registered in total within the UK, they are pretty rare sight on the roads, just like the QF. Maybe you are comparing an S model. No one that has seen my car in the flesh has ever called it clinical or boring..

G

Let's be realistic here, they are all boring looking. IN a carpark full of Audis without getting closer to each one they'd all look the same to the untrained eye. All of the aggressive sharp styling that is evident across the range. Audi has lost its way just like BMW did. Mercedes did a long time ago but have found their footing in more recent generations thankfully.

The statements might make you laugh, but it's the truth.

I didn't want to post comparison photos to state the obvious, but now I shall.

A5 SB:


S5 SB:


RS-5 SB:


Yes there are differences, but it's easy enough to have to spec an S-Line to look like an RS, not just with Audi this applies to all of them these days sadly. Bu it's Audi that IMO sit atop the bland design tree.

Edited by robbiekhan on Wednesday 27th November 14:11

[Gio G]

robbiekhan said:

Let's be realistic here, they are all boring looking. IN a carpark full of Audis without getting closer to each one they'd all look the same to the untrained eye. All of the aggressive sharp styling that is evident across the range. Audi has lost its way just like BMW did. Mercedes did a long time ago but have found their footing in more recent generations thankfully.

The statements might make you laugh, but it's the truth.

I didn't want to post comparison photos to state the obvious, but now I shall.

A5 SB:


S5 SB:


RS-5 SB:


Yes there are differences, but it's easy enough to have to spec an S-Line to look like an RS, not just with Audi this applies to all of them these days sadly. Bu it's Audi that IMO sit atop the bland design tree.

Edited by robbiekhan on Wednesday 27th November 14:11

Crikey, you really wanted to prove your point... still think your wrong, you clearly not seen an RS close up....I think the Coupe looks better than the Sportsback personally







G

[Olivera]

robbiekhan said:

The Audi is just a bit ghastly on the outside. Too clinical and too boring. Nothing stand out about it at all. The same goes for almost all modern Audis and BMWs and Mercs in my opinion. It's too difficult to distinguish a genuine performance/driver's car from the boggo diesel 2 litre with the sport bodykit that unless you're really up close to spot the badge or the engine note (or lack thereof).

The QF is also stunningly beautiful from every angle. And the choice of alloys on the RS5.... whoever signed off on those needs shooting. They are absolutely shocking and do not suit the body style whatsoever.

Hang on a minute, isn't this the exact opposite of the truth?

BMW M and Audi RS cars in recent years have very different bodywork compared to the normal models, usually significantly widened and blistered front and rear arches. The Giulia QF, whilst a great car, doesn't get distinct and widened bodywork over the normal car, but only a few vents cut into the standard front quarter and bonnet.

The M and RS cars are therefore *more* distinguishable than the QF.

[popeyewhite]

Having already owned an RS6 and being taken in by massive grunt + comfort, it's the one I'd pitch for. Appeal of the AR is too limited for me.

[W11PEL]

Alfa’s are cool. Years ago they fell to bits and German stuff was head and shoulders above. They lacked soul but had Teutonic efficiency.

Today everything depreciates and German stuff is benign and boring. Always was. German stuff is supposed to be efficient yet reliably staid.

I salute any guy that buys a new Alfa. It takes balls to step outside the box.

I know I’d much prefer to find out what he’s all about over a pint or two as opposed to an M series or RS pilot. Horribly corporate and invariably rather smug.

Alfa for me every time.

Edited by W11PEL on Wednesday 27th November 18:28

[cayman-black]

Hmm, the Audi is ok but come on this is in a different league.

[popeyewhite]

cayman-black said:

Hmm, the Audi is ok but come on this is in a different league.

Think I might feel a little self-conscious in that. It's a bit too much, like designer stubble and wearing a watch on the wrong wrist.

[Pericoloso]

popeyewhite said:

cayman-black said:

Hmm, the Audi is ok but come on this is in a different league.

Think I might feel a little self-conscious in that. It's a bit too much, like designer stubble and wearing a watch on the wrong wrist.

I look at the Alfa as quite under stated for it's performance.

It's no Escort RS Cosworth OTT.

[Court_S]

I’m in the Alfa camp too; the rear quarter is a bit slab sided / heavy looking but other than that I think it’s a very very handsome car. The paint colours seem great too and really really pop in the sun.

[robbiekhan]

Gio G said:

Crikey, you really wanted to prove your point... still think your wrong, you clearly not seen an RS close up....I think the Coupe looks better than the Sportsback personally







G

What has a coupe got to do with the sportback ocmparison? I could post the same trio set for every model and the same would apply I guess.

Point still stands however. Besides the old gen RS5 was a far more masculine and distinct looking coupe than the current one which again just looks bland against the competition. And look at the wheels on the pic you posted, absolutely hideous.

This post might be my opinion being shared here, but it's an opinion that others have too and it's pretty obvious based on general opinion of Audi as a whole these days. There's just no excitement any more, no character and little in the way of a defining USP other than "look it's a proper RS innit".

If we cut to brass tax now and state the facts on topic of OP, Audi is boring, Alfa is not. These are the facts. Everything inbetween is just a mince of words

Edited by robbiekhan on Wednesday 27th November 22:56

[Gio G]

Olivera said:

Hang on a minute, isn't this the exact opposite of the truth?

BMW M and Audi RS cars in recent years have very different bodywork compared to the normal models, usually significantly widened and blistered front and rear arches. The Giulia QF, whilst a great car, doesn't get distinct and widened bodywork over the normal car, but only a few vents cut into the standard front quarter and bonnet.

The M and RS cars are therefore *more* distinguishable than the QF.

Good point raised. I think the Veloce model in the right colour looks very similar too..You would have to double take to make sure..

G

[heisthegaffer]

Olivera said:

robbiekhan said:

The Audi is just a bit ghastly on the outside. Too clinical and too boring. Nothing stand out about it at all. The same goes for almost all modern Audis and BMWs and Mercs in my opinion. It's too difficult to distinguish a genuine performance/driver's car from the boggo diesel 2 litre with the sport bodykit that unless you're really up close to spot the badge or the engine note (or lack thereof).

The QF is also stunningly beautiful from every angle. And the choice of alloys on the RS5.... whoever signed off on those needs shooting. They are absolutely shocking and do not suit the body style whatsoever.

Hang on a minute, isn't this the exact opposite of the truth?

BMW M and Audi RS cars in recent years have very different bodywork compared to the normal models, usually significantly widened and blistered front and rear arches. The Giulia QF, whilst a great car, doesn't get distinct and widened bodywork over the normal car, but only a few vents cut into the standard front quarter and bonnet.

The M and RS cars are therefore *more* distinguishable than the QF.

I'm not a 100% sure but I've seen a few non QF Giulias and a couple of QF and the latter I thought looked wider and more muscular plus with bonnet vents.

Both nice cars but the Alfa for me. I think they're stunning and by all accounts very dlfew shortfalls. I've been in a base model and I didn't look at any aspect of the interior and think it was anything less than very pleasant.

[Gio G]

robbiekhan said:

What has a coupe got to do with the sportback ocmparison? I could post the same trio set for every model and the same would apply I guess.

Point still stands however. Besides the old gen RS5 was a far more masculine and distinct looking coupe than the current one which again just looks bland against the competition. And look at the wheels on the pic you posted, absolutely hideous.

This post might be my opinion being shared here, but it's an opinion that others have too and it's pretty obvious based on general opinion of Audi as a whole these days. There's just no excitement any more, no character and little in the way of a defining USP other than "look it's a proper RS innit".

If we cut to brass tax now and state the facts on topic of OP, Audi is boring, Alfa is not. These are the facts. Everything inbetween is just a mince of words

Edited by robbiekhan on Wednesday 27th November 22:56

The point I am making is that you suggest every new RS looks like a boggo 2 litre, which it does not, I posted my car to show you this and it may shock you that people actually like it, myself included. I get quite allot of compliments driving my car, in petrol stations, people asking me about it. So if it was so bland and boring, why would they bother..?

Maybe you can post a picture of your car and I can critique how bad it's wheels are too, we can't all like the same things, as that would be boring. This is what I love about PistonHeads, people posting their opinions never having owned or driven any of the cars mentioned, which of course makes them the experts...

G

[popeyewhite]

Pericoloso said:

popeyewhite said:

cayman-black said:

Hmm, the Audi is ok but come on this is in a different league.

Think I might feel a little self-conscious in that. It's a bit too much, like designer stubble and wearing a watch on the wrong wrist.

I look at the Alfa as quite under stated for it's performance.

It's no Escort RS Cosworth OTT.

No it's not quite as extravagant looking as that. It's effectively the polar opposite in looks of the Audi. The Audi's not the dullest car available, and the Alfa isn't the most flash.

[Water Fairy]

ate one too said:

I don't think your experiences have any relevance here, unless you are talking about new or nearly new franchised dealer serviced and warranted cars.

If all the unreliable cars you listed were old, ill maintained sheds then .....

I know what you're trying to say but my 165k, 16 year old E46 has been trouble free bar a radiator and my 3 month old (when I bought it) Megane Coupe was in and out of the dealers in two years of ownership.

That's relevant to me.