RE: Alpine A110S vs. Porsche 718 GT4 vs. Audi R8 RWS
Discussion
springfan62 said:
Leftfootwonder said:
I don't think it's badge snobbery to acknowledge that the Alpine's interior and engine are simply not good enough in this company. I know the purists will say the plasticky interior and tiny engine is to save weight but for a daily it's just not a rounded proposition nor special enough to keep for a weekend toy. It falls between the cracks for me. I've never been a fan of the rear styling either, it looks like it's been parked too close to anew open fire and everything just slipped down as it was melting.
Porsche owner by any chance, badge snob no, never.I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
PorkInsider said:
springfan62 said:
Leftfootwonder said:
I don't think it's badge snobbery to acknowledge that the Alpine's interior and engine are simply not good enough in this company. I know the purists will say the plasticky interior and tiny engine is to save weight but for a daily it's just not a rounded proposition nor special enough to keep for a weekend toy. It falls between the cracks for me. I've never been a fan of the rear styling either, it looks like it's been parked too close to anew open fire and everything just slipped down as it was melting.
Porsche owner by any chance, badge snob no, never.I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
PorkInsider said:
I'm not a Porsche owner but I agree regarding the Alpine's looks. It's hideous in my opinion.
I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
As has been said looks are subjective but I have never owned a car that has gained so much positive attention, including thumbs up from police motorbikes, so it may not appeal to you but it certainly does to lots of people.I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
I suppose it depends on what you want from a car but I don't have to make criticism of the M4C to justify my choice.
Miserablegit said:
Helicopter123 said:
Almost uniquely though, it appears that any criticism of the Alpine is frowned on by some on here. It’s a good, no very good car in many ways, but it’s not perfect and not for everyone.
The reason is that the vocal detractors aren’t actually in the market for a car like this and thus justify it with very weak arguments. Anyone spending this money on a car is too busy enjoying whatever they’ve bought to get too uptight over a car they don’t have and certainly doesn’t continually post it on forums. You carry on driving whatever it is you drive and I hope you are happy in it. Just remember other people want different things out of a car. To some lightness is more important than horsepower.
You, in fact, have said you’re in the market for a gts or an r8 but you’d certainly choose an Mx5 over an alpine. An odd choice but there you go. Perhaps do a readers rides when you get whatever it is you decide to buy.
springfan62 said:
As has been said looks are subjective but I have never owned a car that has gained so much positive attention, including thumbs up from police motorbikes, so it may not appeal to you but it certainly does to lots of people.
I suppose it depends on what you want from a car but I don't have to make criticism of the M4C to justify my choice.
The aesthetics are really interesting, this is the first time I've seen the Alpine alongside a Cayman or an R8. For me the German two look flabby and old fashioned, the Alpine looks sleek and fresh. In the metal they look stunning and so small compared to modern stuff. As for 60k - I think it's a bargain - you're paying for so much more than interior plastics and stitching and metrics and all the other stuff that some people get wood over.I suppose it depends on what you want from a car but I don't have to make criticism of the M4C to justify my choice.
DoubleD said:
Is the Alpine perfect, no of course it isnt, but what car is?
Exactly. All cars are flawed(apart from a Porsche from what I read on here) and all cars are compromised in one way or another for me. Having more than one car is the only way to do it, and then you can pick and choose the compromises between different cars. Helicopter123 said:
Nick, to me a manual gearbox is essential in a sports car, and for those I know who also appreciate a sports car. These are all motoring enthusiasts. I won’t apologise for this, sorry. No amount of whataboutism from you will change my mind.
Please don't change your mind. And I never said motoring enthusiasts don't appreciate a manual sports cars, I certainly do. I am questioning your opinion that true motoring enthusiasts only want a manual. Do you really believe that? springfan62 said:
PorkInsider said:
I'm not a Porsche owner but I agree regarding the Alpine's looks. It's hideous in my opinion.
I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
As has been said looks are subjective but I have never owned a car that has gained so much positive attention, including thumbs up from police motorbikes, so it may not appeal to you but it certainly does to lots of people.I cannot conceive of paying £63k for that, especially with that engine. It's just nowhere near a £60k+ car.
I suppose it depends on what you want from a car but I don't have to make criticism of the M4C to justify my choice.
I was replying to a comment where you said another poster must be a Porsche fan to not like the look of the Alpine.
Hi,
Brand new, a 2.0l is half the price of an Alpine and I doubt it's half as fun.
Using a tiny part of saved amount, get a decent set of coilovers fit, have the engine tuned by BBR and then enjoy.
It won't be as fast and efficient as an Alpine but quite fun & rewarding to drive while still usable as a daily driver.
I'll probably test an A110 RSN as a friend bought one to replace his older Exige 192.
First reports from him tell the A110 is an overall excellent car, a bit dull compared to the Exige, but much more usable, and as he already owns a really grumpy TVR Griff' 500 Taraka, this is a perfect fit.
Éric
Helicopter123 said:
Why would considering an Mx5 be an odd choice for anyone looking for a lightweight fun to drive sports car?
Considering the actual market offer, IMHO, it's definitely not odd at all.Brand new, a 2.0l is half the price of an Alpine and I doubt it's half as fun.
Using a tiny part of saved amount, get a decent set of coilovers fit, have the engine tuned by BBR and then enjoy.
It won't be as fast and efficient as an Alpine but quite fun & rewarding to drive while still usable as a daily driver.
I'll probably test an A110 RSN as a friend bought one to replace his older Exige 192.
First reports from him tell the A110 is an overall excellent car, a bit dull compared to the Exige, but much more usable, and as he already owns a really grumpy TVR Griff' 500 Taraka, this is a perfect fit.
Éric
nickfrog said:
Helicopter123 said:
Nick, to me a manual gearbox is essential in a sports car, and for those I know who also appreciate a sports car. These are all motoring enthusiasts. I won’t apologise for this, sorry. No amount of whataboutism from you will change my mind.
Please don't change your mind. And I never said motoring enthusiasts don't appreciate a manual sports cars, I certainly do. I am questioning your opinion that true motoring enthusiasts only want a manual. Do you really believe that? Helicopter123 said:
In a sports car, for road use, then yes I think a manual would always be preferable. Don’t you?
Surely a true enthusiast also track their sports car don't they? 
Yes, as I said, I prefer a manual for simplicity and cost reasons. That's however entirely subjective. Do you still think you can't be a true enthusiast and prefer an auto?
nickfrog said:
Helicopter123 said:
In a sports car, for road use, then yes I think a manual would always be preferable. Don’t you?
Surely a true enthusiast also track their sports car don't they? Yes, as I said, I prefer a manual for simplicity and cost reasons. That's however entirely subjective. Do you still think you can't be a true enthusiast and prefer an auto?
SidewaysSi said:
I am a true enthusiast but find track driving a bit dull sometimes. Have been doing it all my adult life and a bit past it to be honest.
Sorry to hear that Si, it can't be as bad as the open road though? After only 28 years I am still not bored of track driving. Still understanding the Ring in particular despite quite a few laps... nickfrog said:
SidewaysSi said:
I am a true enthusiast but find track driving a bit dull sometimes. Have been doing it all my adult life and a bit past it to be honest.
Sorry to hear that Si, it can't be as bad as the open road though? After only 28 years I am still not bored of track driving. Still understanding the Ring in particular despite quite a few laps... OK, the 'Ring is a bit different, but it's not very convenient from here for a quick blat.
So if one can FIND an open road...
Helicopter123 said:
Miserablegit said:
Helicopter123 said:
Almost uniquely though, it appears that any criticism of the Alpine is frowned on by some on here. It’s a good, no very good car in many ways, but it’s not perfect and not for everyone.
The reason is that the vocal detractors aren’t actually in the market for a car like this and thus justify it with very weak arguments. Anyone spending this money on a car is too busy enjoying whatever they’ve bought to get too uptight over a car they don’t have and certainly doesn’t continually post it on forums. You carry on driving whatever it is you drive and I hope you are happy in it. Just remember other people want different things out of a car. To some lightness is more important than horsepower.
You, in fact, have said you’re in the market for a gts or an r8 but you’d certainly choose an Mx5 over an alpine. An odd choice but there you go. Perhaps do a readers rides when you get whatever it is you decide to buy.
On the plus side, it has a lovely engine and gearbox (which is important to you it seems) but that doesn't necessarily make it more or less of an enthusiast's car than one with an auto or turbo. Build quality - I'm not just talking about the interior - is not great either (even compared to the Alpine) if that sort of thing matters to you.
You can mod it at BBR etc but I think that discussion is probably best had in a different forum.
nickfrog said:
Helicopter123 said:
In a sports car, for road use, then yes I think a manual would always be preferable. Don’t you?
Surely a true enthusiast also track their sports car don't they? Yes, as I said, I prefer a manual for simplicity and cost reasons. That's however entirely subjective. Do you still think you can't be a true enthusiast and prefer an auto?
Being a car fan means many different things but many on here get hung up on what it means and think you can only be taken seriously if you are a "purist" or "enthusiast" whatever the heck that means.
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