Is there a better all-round sports car?
Discussion
don logan said:
I m wondering about the future of my R26.R
I was chatting to a guy with an A110S at a trackday who is selling his GT4. He says the reason is the Alpine is the car that leaves him smiling after every drive. Sports car, track car, grand tourer, daily driver. And always a pleasure to just drive, even when not going quick.
SpudLink said:
don logan said:
I m wondering about the future of my R26.R
I was chatting to a guy with an A110S at a trackday who is selling his GT4. He says the reason is the Alpine is the car that leaves him smiling after every drive. Sports car, track car, grand tourer, daily driver. And always a pleasure to just drive, even when not going quick.
Not to diminish the Alpine in ANY way but I’ve become too precious about it now to do this kind of trip in because you can’t buy any of the R specific parts from Renault anymore and it’s not like there are loads in scrap yards
This summer it’s got more attention than ever before for some reason and one thing in particular is interesting and really irritating
EVs getting “racey” with me, which only makes me drive slower
don logan said:
I ve owned my Megane for 15 years and have used to almost exclusively for Alpine road trips
Not to diminish the Alpine in ANY way but I ve become too precious about it now to do this kind of trip in because you can t buy any of the R specific parts from Renault anymore and it s not like there are loads in scrap yards
That's an argument for one of the cheaper models. As others have said, even when they have a choice of other sporty cars, the A110 gets used because it's serious fun, without any serious drawbacks. There other cars I have had that on the right day and right road might be more fun - Elise and Caterham come to mind. But they are far more compromised on most days.Not to diminish the Alpine in ANY way but I ve become too precious about it now to do this kind of trip in because you can t buy any of the R specific parts from Renault anymore and it s not like there are loads in scrap yards
Petrol Only said:
Maybe I really do need to look at one then. Do wish the M2 was lighter. But it s been the best of all worlds sports car I have owned so far. Can sit in it for hours on the motorway and get out feeling fresh.
Not trying to throw shade. Just curious where I go next from the M2 as the wife hates the image of Porkers which seem a natural progression to me.
Whilst not an M2 we run an M240i next to the Alpine. Back to back the 2 series feels like tank by comparison, albeit (in isolation) a tank that does lots of things very very well, we love it. Point the two down a challenging B road in the UK though and the chassis of the Alpine feels in a different universe to the M240i.Not trying to throw shade. Just curious where I go next from the M2 as the wife hates the image of Porkers which seem a natural progression to me.
Having owned a 550kg 7 & 1,050kg NDMX5 for more years than I care to remember I was obsessed with trying the A110 as a next step. The Caterham feels like a go-cart after the A110, but similarly the A110 feels like a go-cart after the M240i as I am sure it would after the M2 ?
It d be unfair to say the A110 is as refined a GT as the 2 series, it is not, but if you do not need the space it is a ridiculously relaxed car you can cover bonkers miles in without issue. Arguably its biggest party trick ?
i Drive 8 does make infotainment in the A110 feel a bit er old school though
Have fun deciding where to go next !!
Edited by Simon Owen on Tuesday 17th June 21:21
Simon Owen said:
, but if you do not need the space it is a ridiculously relaxed car you can cover bonkers miles in without issue. Arguably its biggest party trick ?
That certainly is one of its party tricks. The other is that even in 250bhp form it is a seriously fast car - easily a match for the Emira, and in 300bhp form a match for the Cayman GTS 4.0.Edited by Simon Owen on Tuesday 17th June 21:21
I don’t know if it is the best all round sports car but:
It covers ground on a B road like nothing else. I’m not talking pace, I’m talking feel. It’s sublime. Makes me smile when I’m driving it’s that good.
It can cover big miles in complete comfort with superb economy.
It can be daily’d with zero issue.
It is rapid and has incredibly usable performance.
Every journey, irrespective of speed or road, feels great. There isn’t a ‘bad’ road for the Alpine.
It’s more practical than it looks - euro trips covered by many.
It looks the part.
It generates SO much interest it’s ridiculous. If I’m filling up, I often end up having conversations about it.
It’s (relatively) affordable.
It’s universally lauded and appreciated.
….Hmm, maybe it is the best all round sports car!
It covers ground on a B road like nothing else. I’m not talking pace, I’m talking feel. It’s sublime. Makes me smile when I’m driving it’s that good.
It can cover big miles in complete comfort with superb economy.
It can be daily’d with zero issue.
It is rapid and has incredibly usable performance.
Every journey, irrespective of speed or road, feels great. There isn’t a ‘bad’ road for the Alpine.
It’s more practical than it looks - euro trips covered by many.
It looks the part.
It generates SO much interest it’s ridiculous. If I’m filling up, I often end up having conversations about it.
It’s (relatively) affordable.
It’s universally lauded and appreciated.
….Hmm, maybe it is the best all round sports car!
There is no doubt that the A110 is an excellent all-round sports car.
However, and that word is simply a 'but' in a fancy dress, it really depends on how you are measuring 'better' for the sports car rating.
This thread seemed to start with comparisons to the M2. Personally, and this is coming from someone who has owned almost every variant of M-product, I consider them a performance car, not a sports car. Sporting, yes but not a sports car. Unfortunately, the flaw (for me) in any M-car is that it is based on a mainstream model; no matter how competent the base vehicle is, nor how much BMW tweak it, I always felt like I was driving an enhanced run of the mill, mass produced vehicle. Furthermore, none of the base cars are sports cars; if making a car go faster and handle a little better made it into a 'sports car', that would redefine the meaning.
Things I love about the A110 and that make it a great sports car: enough power to make it feel quick but not so much that it only come alive when pushed beyond license losing speeds, nimble handling that improves as you learn how the car moves and performs under acceleration and braking, a suspension that is a joy on our awful roads (soaking up far more than it should be able to) but still feels like it corners on rails and, lastly, a shape that is both interesting and unique in terms of car design. Like so many great things, the more you use it, the better you understand it, the more enjoyable it is to spend time with it - or in the case of the Alpine, drive it. You cannot get in, drive it and get it right; well, you may be able to if you are a professional, and talented, racing driver but for the average driver, it gets better with more and more exposure to it. The A110 feels multifaceted, where as every 911 I have owned (setting aside the RS) felt almost one dimensional and, in the case of 911 Turbo S in particular, too competent, predictable and accessible.
Nevertheless, for me, where the A110 lacks is practicality. The size may make it a pleasure to drive, and place, on our b-roads; however, it does come at the price of luggage space. 911s excel in this area and, in fairness, so does the Cayman (when compared to the A110). Does this make it less of a sports car, no, but does it mean I'd think twice about taking it on an extended road trip on great roads - those perfect ones for a sports car like the A110. Personally, I can live with that because I have a 'plan-B' but if someone doesn't, I can see that being a negative against the Alpine and perhaps for them chalking up the win to another 'sports car.' There is a good reason why so many people daily drive a 911 - it really is a great all-rounder.
Which brings me back to my second sentence: better is based on personal perspective and what you value in your own judging criteria.
For me, the A110 is a phenomenal car. Value for money. I love that it lacks the automatic stigma others cars I have owned come with. And, most importantly, it puts a massive smile on my fact each time I drive it.
However, and that word is simply a 'but' in a fancy dress, it really depends on how you are measuring 'better' for the sports car rating.
This thread seemed to start with comparisons to the M2. Personally, and this is coming from someone who has owned almost every variant of M-product, I consider them a performance car, not a sports car. Sporting, yes but not a sports car. Unfortunately, the flaw (for me) in any M-car is that it is based on a mainstream model; no matter how competent the base vehicle is, nor how much BMW tweak it, I always felt like I was driving an enhanced run of the mill, mass produced vehicle. Furthermore, none of the base cars are sports cars; if making a car go faster and handle a little better made it into a 'sports car', that would redefine the meaning.
Things I love about the A110 and that make it a great sports car: enough power to make it feel quick but not so much that it only come alive when pushed beyond license losing speeds, nimble handling that improves as you learn how the car moves and performs under acceleration and braking, a suspension that is a joy on our awful roads (soaking up far more than it should be able to) but still feels like it corners on rails and, lastly, a shape that is both interesting and unique in terms of car design. Like so many great things, the more you use it, the better you understand it, the more enjoyable it is to spend time with it - or in the case of the Alpine, drive it. You cannot get in, drive it and get it right; well, you may be able to if you are a professional, and talented, racing driver but for the average driver, it gets better with more and more exposure to it. The A110 feels multifaceted, where as every 911 I have owned (setting aside the RS) felt almost one dimensional and, in the case of 911 Turbo S in particular, too competent, predictable and accessible.
Nevertheless, for me, where the A110 lacks is practicality. The size may make it a pleasure to drive, and place, on our b-roads; however, it does come at the price of luggage space. 911s excel in this area and, in fairness, so does the Cayman (when compared to the A110). Does this make it less of a sports car, no, but does it mean I'd think twice about taking it on an extended road trip on great roads - those perfect ones for a sports car like the A110. Personally, I can live with that because I have a 'plan-B' but if someone doesn't, I can see that being a negative against the Alpine and perhaps for them chalking up the win to another 'sports car.' There is a good reason why so many people daily drive a 911 - it really is a great all-rounder.
Which brings me back to my second sentence: better is based on personal perspective and what you value in your own judging criteria.
For me, the A110 is a phenomenal car. Value for money. I love that it lacks the automatic stigma others cars I have owned come with. And, most importantly, it puts a massive smile on my fact each time I drive it.
Edited by Mr_Toad on Wednesday 18th June 19:49
there is no need to give any excuse for the A110.
It costs £55k base currently and has a sublime chassis in which to exercise the small 1.8L turbo with
If the engine was bigger and heavier, the car would be bigger and heavier. The fact that it is rather petite adds rather than subtracts.
The fact that it can ride so comfortably (even the R) puts everyone else to shame (i mean everyone).
I have a new 992.2 hybrid GTS and sometimes I can't decide which one to take out for a drive(ok I have an A110 R). BUt you get the picture.
It may look less expensive and les impressive than the porsche but it has that lightness that no amount of engineering can overcome. The new 992 GTS rides well and has a better interior and a better engine but when you throw the alpine into a corner, it's handling bliss that is unparalleled.
and that gearbox is much nicer to use than porsche. I think people mistake the shift quality for the end all and be all but it really isn't, It's how and when a shift is needed and how natural it feel for you to be tugging the paddle that makes sense. The A110 makes you want to manually shift using paddles. The porsche is so good that you really ought to let it do the shifting itself.
anyways, my A110R in abyss blue tickles me pink whenever I use it.
If only I can stop the rear parking brake from conjuring up that brake system fault msg from time to time........
It costs £55k base currently and has a sublime chassis in which to exercise the small 1.8L turbo with
If the engine was bigger and heavier, the car would be bigger and heavier. The fact that it is rather petite adds rather than subtracts.
The fact that it can ride so comfortably (even the R) puts everyone else to shame (i mean everyone).
I have a new 992.2 hybrid GTS and sometimes I can't decide which one to take out for a drive(ok I have an A110 R). BUt you get the picture.
It may look less expensive and les impressive than the porsche but it has that lightness that no amount of engineering can overcome. The new 992 GTS rides well and has a better interior and a better engine but when you throw the alpine into a corner, it's handling bliss that is unparalleled.
and that gearbox is much nicer to use than porsche. I think people mistake the shift quality for the end all and be all but it really isn't, It's how and when a shift is needed and how natural it feel for you to be tugging the paddle that makes sense. The A110 makes you want to manually shift using paddles. The porsche is so good that you really ought to let it do the shifting itself.
anyways, my A110R in abyss blue tickles me pink whenever I use it.
If only I can stop the rear parking brake from conjuring up that brake system fault msg from time to time........
Long distance travel is not a problem in a 110, so long as you embrace the lightweight ethos when packing. Perhaps James Bond drove an Aston because he needed to take dinner suits, Q's gizmos, ammunition, etc. but lesser mortals get by just fine: one cabin bag and one holdall each, plus sundry small bags. This was yesterday on the St Gotthard Pass. 
Sporky said:
I think if you think the M2 is a great sports car then you probably won't like a sports car.
Not knocking the M2; I've never tried one. Just that it's a completely different ethos.
Very much this. Not knocking the M2; I've never tried one. Just that it's a completely different ethos.
I remember a discussion with some younger gentlemen when we were camping at the BTCC in 2016. My Evora 400 (or Ebola as they insisted on calling it) was a month or so old at the time and they kept coming back to "I'd prefer an M3".
Gave up in the end and suggested to them that if they want an M3 that is great, but they will never "get" a sportscar and what it is about. I dread to think what they'd make of the Alpine as it is further removed.
Alpine, Evora, M? = Small Sports Car, Big Sports Car, Muscle car.
My Alfa Guilia, between the Evora 400 and Alpine lasted pretty much exactly a year and for 6 or more months of that I was itching to get back into a sports car. Lovely car, but just didn't do it.
Colin P said:
Very much this.
I remember a discussion with some younger gentlemen when we were camping at the BTCC in 2016. My Evora 400 (or Ebola as they insisted on calling it) was a month or so old at the time and they kept coming back to "I'd prefer an M3".
Gave up in the end and suggested to them that if they want an M3 that is great, but they will never "get" a sportscar and what it is about. I dread to think what they'd make of the Alpine as it is further removed.
Alpine, Evora, M? = Small Sports Car, Big Sports Car, Muscle car.
My Alfa Guilia, between the Evora 400 and Alpine lasted pretty much exactly a year and for 6 or more months of that I was itching to get back into a sports car. Lovely car, but just didn't do it.
How do you find the Alpine vs the 400? I have had my 400 for 3 and a half years. I keep looking at Alpine's but I've still not been tempted yet to part with my Evora.I remember a discussion with some younger gentlemen when we were camping at the BTCC in 2016. My Evora 400 (or Ebola as they insisted on calling it) was a month or so old at the time and they kept coming back to "I'd prefer an M3".
Gave up in the end and suggested to them that if they want an M3 that is great, but they will never "get" a sportscar and what it is about. I dread to think what they'd make of the Alpine as it is further removed.
Alpine, Evora, M? = Small Sports Car, Big Sports Car, Muscle car.
My Alfa Guilia, between the Evora 400 and Alpine lasted pretty much exactly a year and for 6 or more months of that I was itching to get back into a sports car. Lovely car, but just didn't do it.
ziggy328 said:
How do you find the Alpine vs the 400? I have had my 400 for 3 and a half years. I keep looking at Alpine's but I've still not been tempted yet to part with my Evora.
Honestly, I had 2 Evoras over 10 years. I got rid of the 400 and a daily with the intention of going down to one car. The Evora had been my only car for 3 of the 6 years I had it. That was the Alfas job, which it failed to fulfill. I didn’t want to buy a third Evora and at the time lotus was a nightmare for delivering Emiras with a 2 year wait. All in all and in total honesty with the benefit of hindsight I wish I’d kept the Evora and just sold my daily. That isn’t to say that I don’t like the Alpine, but it would have saved me a lot of money. There are positives and negatives between the Evora and Alpine.
Evora wins on noise, appearance, high speed stability and does handle better, certainly without suspension upgrades.
I might still go to an Emira, but the Alpine is much better on narrower roads and probably more fun at more sensible speeds. The Alpine also does the mundane better.
It’s kind of a head and heart thing. Just my opinion.
biggles330d said:
Exactly how I like to use mine. Grand adventures and road trips. Pack light and it's no issue. There's even room enough for the obligatory bottles of Billecart Salmon as you pass back through Ay...
I think far too much is made of the "lack" of boot space. Sure the Cayman has much more than the A110 - or any other comparable sports car - but do you really need the boot space of a medium sized 5 seat hatchback in a 2 seater. Except for now defunct booze cruises I almost never carried any more in my Cayman than will fit in the A110. Compared with any other sports car the A110 measures up well. Significantly more than an MX5 or S2000, and comparable with an Emira (which is even more inconvenietly accessed.)Colin P said:
Honestly, I had 2 Evoras over 10 years. I got rid of the 400 and a daily with the intention of going down to one car. The Evora had been my only car for 3 of the 6 years I had it. That was the Alfas job, which it failed to fulfill. I didn t want to buy a third Evora and at the time lotus was a nightmare for delivering Emiras with a 2 year wait.
All in all and in total honesty with the benefit of hindsight I wish I d kept the Evora and just sold my daily. That isn t to say that I don t like the Alpine, but it would have saved me a lot of money. There are positives and negatives between the Evora and Alpine.
Evora wins on noise, appearance, high speed stability and does handle better, certainly without suspension upgrades.
I might still go to an Emira, but the Alpine is much better on narrower roads and probably more fun at more sensible speeds. The Alpine also does the mundane better.
It s kind of a head and heart thing. Just my opinion.
Thank you, appreciated. I think I'll save my money. I still love my Evora, longest I've ever had a car, and I've put many many miles on it.All in all and in total honesty with the benefit of hindsight I wish I d kept the Evora and just sold my daily. That isn t to say that I don t like the Alpine, but it would have saved me a lot of money. There are positives and negatives between the Evora and Alpine.
Evora wins on noise, appearance, high speed stability and does handle better, certainly without suspension upgrades.
I might still go to an Emira, but the Alpine is much better on narrower roads and probably more fun at more sensible speeds. The Alpine also does the mundane better.
It s kind of a head and heart thing. Just my opinion.
bcr5784 said:
biggles330d said:
Exactly how I like to use mine. Grand adventures and road trips. Pack light and it's no issue. There's even room enough for the obligatory bottles of Billecart Salmon as you pass back through Ay...
I think far too much is made of the "lack" of boot space. Sure the Cayman has much more than the A110 - or any other comparable sports car - but do you really need the boot space of a medium sized 5 seat hatchback in a 2 seater. Except for now defunct booze cruises I almost never carried any more in my Cayman than will fit in the A110. Compared with any other sports car the A110 measures up well. Significantly more than an MX5 or S2000, and comparable with an Emira (which is even more inconvenietly accessed.)A few towels and raincoats stuffed behind the seats along with the maps and some shoes, but not in any way cramped.
I will concede, a cubby or glove box would be handy but I just use a poly pocket thing beside the seat to hold papers and passports etc.
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