Discussion
I had the 1.9 GT, and now have the 1.9 159, which is the same platform as the Brera, and I think the same interior too. I test drove the 2.4 159 before plumping for the 1.9.
The 159 is solid, but dull. I miss the GT badly. It felt much quicker, but I guess the 'added lightness' compared to the 159 would allow for that.
Also, as stated above, no DPFs on the GT either.
The 159 is solid, but dull. I miss the GT badly. It felt much quicker, but I guess the 'added lightness' compared to the 159 would allow for that.
Also, as stated above, no DPFs on the GT either.
Thanks again for all the replies.
I'm going to slightly skew this thread in a way, and ask what others opinions on the 1.8 Twin Spark engine in the GT BlackLine is like? I've seen this model is a fair few thousand cheaper to buy that the same model JTD (as you can imagine) there's one local to me that is up for £5,490 with 40k miles full alfa history - comparing that to a £7-8k JTD with 80-90k. Opinions?
If i were going petrol i would rather the Twin Spark over the JTS if i'm honest, even taking into the fact it will be slower and not alot in MPG.
I'm going to slightly skew this thread in a way, and ask what others opinions on the 1.8 Twin Spark engine in the GT BlackLine is like? I've seen this model is a fair few thousand cheaper to buy that the same model JTD (as you can imagine) there's one local to me that is up for £5,490 with 40k miles full alfa history - comparing that to a £7-8k JTD with 80-90k. Opinions?
If i were going petrol i would rather the Twin Spark over the JTS if i'm honest, even taking into the fact it will be slower and not alot in MPG.
RicksAlfas said:
Might be worth a look.
The 1.8 is a sweet revvy engine, if a bit torque free.
Belts want doing every 3 years/36,000 miles or so, so if they haven't been done factor in £400 immediately.
If your mechanic charges you £400, you need to find another mechanic.The 1.8 is a sweet revvy engine, if a bit torque free.
Belts want doing every 3 years/36,000 miles or so, so if they haven't been done factor in £400 immediately.
It's a very simple lump, missing the balance shaft of the 2.0, which is what puts up the price of the 2.0 change.
The 1.8 is regarded as the best petrol engine in the 156; pretty much the same economy as the 2.0, more reliable (certainly against the JTS) and not significantly underpowered.
Whether it is enough for the slightly different orientation of a car like the GT is another question, and one I can't answer.
Whether it is enough for the slightly different orientation of a car like the GT is another question, and one I can't answer.
crostonian said:
As discussed many times before the best option was never made - a GT with the pre Euro 4 2.4 20 Valve diesel out of the 156 - great sound, economy and performance. Going back to an earlier post re the origins of the GT, the engine bay seems to be 147 based, hence why the 5 pot diesel wasn't fitted as the 156 is slightly wider, shame as it would have made a great car.
Which begs the question.... Should the OP consider a 156 2.4 diesel?If he can find a minter, then it will be well in budget. I guess that the problem would be finding one. But they sound pretty good (for a diseasel) and they certainly go pretty well.
I am completely biased, but prefer the aesthetics of the 156 over the GT.
I drive a 156 2.5 V6 every day and it averages 27mpg, which I consider to be just about acceptable and a small price to pay for that wonderful noise.
I expect that my next car will be a 3.2 GT. They are pretty inexpensive these days, which makes the fuel bills much more palatable.
trashbat said:
The 1.8 is regarded as the best petrol engine in the 156; pretty much the same economy as the 2.0, more reliable (certainly against the JTS) and not significantly underpowered.
Whether it is enough for the slightly different orientation of a car like the GT is another question, and one I can't answer.
The 1.8 is the pointless engine... 10 bhp less than the 2.0 but much less refined and no more economical.Whether it is enough for the slightly different orientation of a car like the GT is another question, and one I can't answer.
HeatonNorris said:
The 1.8 is the pointless engine... 10 bhp less than the 2.0 but much less refined and no more economical.
I was wrong to say best - in a contest between 1.8TS and 2.0TS, it's probably 50/50; no balance belt so more reliable, cheaper servicing and more revvy, but less refined and 10hp less. However in a contest between 1.8TS and the JTS, which it is in the case of the GT, 1.8 every time. I say this as a happy(ish) JTS owner.Just my two pence here, as an alfa fanboy of a few years (sadly without one currently)
I prefer the GT on looks, like others have said, it looks like a proper coupe, versus the somewhat hatch-y brera. Another thing that somewhat puts me off the brera versus the GT is the inclusion of a lot of GM parts, especially the JTS engines (i know the Busso V6 was too outdated emission wise, but i bet the guy who pulled the trigger on using the 3.2 JTS will never forgive himself).
As for the engines, the 1.9 16v can be chipped to deliver a handsome 175 BHP, beyond that it needs a bigger turbo (so big bills), still slower then the 210 bhp 2.4, but no slouch either i would imagine. If we take satan-juice out of the equation, a 3.2 GT running on LPG would pretty much be the best option, ever... end of discussion.
Yeah the brera would be more refined and probably a bit more reliable, but i'd swap any brera for a 3.2 GT
I prefer the GT on looks, like others have said, it looks like a proper coupe, versus the somewhat hatch-y brera. Another thing that somewhat puts me off the brera versus the GT is the inclusion of a lot of GM parts, especially the JTS engines (i know the Busso V6 was too outdated emission wise, but i bet the guy who pulled the trigger on using the 3.2 JTS will never forgive himself).
As for the engines, the 1.9 16v can be chipped to deliver a handsome 175 BHP, beyond that it needs a bigger turbo (so big bills), still slower then the 210 bhp 2.4, but no slouch either i would imagine. If we take satan-juice out of the equation, a 3.2 GT running on LPG would pretty much be the best option, ever... end of discussion.
Yeah the brera would be more refined and probably a bit more reliable, but i'd swap any brera for a 3.2 GT
Vitorio said:
Just my two pence here, as an alfa fanboy of a few years (sadly without one currently)
I prefer the GT on looks, like others have said, it looks like a proper coupe, versus the somewhat hatch-y brera. Another thing that somewhat puts me off the brera versus the GT is the inclusion of a lot of GM parts, especially the JTS engines (i know the Busso V6 was too outdated emission wise, but i bet the guy who pulled the trigger on using the 3.2 JTS will never forgive himself).
As for the engines, the 1.9 16v can be chipped to deliver a handsome 175 BHP, beyond that it needs a bigger turbo (so big bills), still slower then the 210 bhp 2.4, but no slouch either i would imagine. If we take satan-juice out of the equation, a 3.2 GT running on LPG would pretty much be the best option, ever... end of discussion.
Yeah the brera would be more refined and probably a bit more reliable, but i'd swap any brera for a 3.2 GT
Thanks for that. Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to convert a 3.2 V6 GT to LPG? and the likely reliabilty (long term) of it? I think this could be the true answer to my problems - once i've sat down and worked on my mileage/fuel/maintenance calculations!!I prefer the GT on looks, like others have said, it looks like a proper coupe, versus the somewhat hatch-y brera. Another thing that somewhat puts me off the brera versus the GT is the inclusion of a lot of GM parts, especially the JTS engines (i know the Busso V6 was too outdated emission wise, but i bet the guy who pulled the trigger on using the 3.2 JTS will never forgive himself).
As for the engines, the 1.9 16v can be chipped to deliver a handsome 175 BHP, beyond that it needs a bigger turbo (so big bills), still slower then the 210 bhp 2.4, but no slouch either i would imagine. If we take satan-juice out of the equation, a 3.2 GT running on LPG would pretty much be the best option, ever... end of discussion.
Yeah the brera would be more refined and probably a bit more reliable, but i'd swap any brera for a 3.2 GT
PaperCut said:
Thanks for that. Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost to convert a 3.2 V6 GT to LPG? and the likely reliabilty (long term) of it? I think this could be the true answer to my problems - once i've sat down and worked on my mileage/fuel/maintenance calculations!!
I havent a clue about costs, but on reliability i can offer at least some anecdotal evidence, a guy here in the dutch alfa scene drove a 156 V6 on LPG, he clocked over 400k km (250k miles) on it, and that V6 just wouldnt die. He did end up putting it away for a while since the damn thing kept eating radiators though and suffered from the famous first version 156 floor-rot.One recommendation though, dont testdrive a V6 unless you are very much on board with paying for it, power is addictive, and from what i hear (sadly, no first hand experience), the busso V6 is pretty much a must-have once you drive a mile with it.
Squadrone Rosso said:
When my wife bought her red 3.2GT in 2007, she went to test a non-red diesel one.....lol
You test drive one & your heart will overrule your head for sure.
Yeah, back when the mito was comming out i was allowed to pick a new lease-car. The alfa dealer in my GFs city had one out for short test-runs before they were even supposed to be on the showroom floor, it was the 155bhp model, and i got to drive it for 15 minutes, after which i spent a few weeks nagging the ears of my boss' heads convincing him that i didnt have to drive a diesel You test drive one & your heart will overrule your head for sure.
I also purposely didnt drive the 150 HP focus when i was picking out my new car last year, affording one would seriously stretch my budget and i'd end up getting a pov-spec one, so i tested the 125hp one, found it adequate, and ordered it. Better not knowing what you'll be missing if you try to make the financially sensible decision.
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