Advise Needed Buying Alfa GTV or Fiat Cuope?
Discussion
Hi, I'm new to the Alfa - Fiat - Lancia Forum,
Please help, currently looking to buy either The Alfa GTV or Fiat Coupe for my wife. We are unable to establish which is the better vehicle , Alfa or Fiat?
then which model ?
Alfa GTV 20TS
Fiat Coupe 16V
Alfa GTV 6 24V
Fiat Coupe Turbo 2.0
As I am lucky enough to be A TVR owner we want something sports for the Mrs. but need rear seats for our kids.
please help as we are now at the stage where we need input from experienced owners, although we love both cars the front of the Fiat looks a little like a mini DB7 and the Alfa is also beautiful. the rear of the Alfa is also very pretty. Our budget is £5k and are completely unable to decide which is the better all-round i.e., performance, handling and of course better built and easier on the pocket for maintenance.
Thanks,
Cooky
Please help, currently looking to buy either The Alfa GTV or Fiat Coupe for my wife. We are unable to establish which is the better vehicle , Alfa or Fiat?
then which model ?
Alfa GTV 20TS
Fiat Coupe 16V
Alfa GTV 6 24V
Fiat Coupe Turbo 2.0
As I am lucky enough to be A TVR owner we want something sports for the Mrs. but need rear seats for our kids.
please help as we are now at the stage where we need input from experienced owners, although we love both cars the front of the Fiat looks a little like a mini DB7 and the Alfa is also beautiful. the rear of the Alfa is also very pretty. Our budget is £5k and are completely unable to decide which is the better all-round i.e., performance, handling and of course better built and easier on the pocket for maintenance.
Thanks,
Cooky
I own a fiat coupe 20V, there is room in the back for two adults if needed, i have a child seat in normaly and the boot is massive and easilt fits a childs pram plus shopping. I have heard/seen the gtv rear seats and they are vary small in comparison. Try the fiat coupe forumn for buying advice and members cars for sale as most of these are pandered so in tip top condition.
www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0
>> Edited by philh on Monday 24th January 11:19
www.fccuk.org/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=0
>> Edited by philh on Monday 24th January 11:19
If you need regularly usable rear space and practical boot space, the Fiat wins hands down.
Performance-wise, there's nothing much to choose between the 2 equivalent models, but its worth noting that the Fiat is more easily tuneable, should that kind of thing float your boat.
Handling-wise, the GTV has it but the Fiat is no slouch.
Looks-wise, personally I think the GTV is streets ahead. IMO it still looks fresh and the Fiat is starting to show its age a bit.
For the money, there's no way I'd touch a 3.0 GTV for £5k but you should be able to find a tidy TS at around that level or not much more anyway. Not sure what Coupe prices are doing at the moment, so best wait for someone who knows what they're talking about!
If the decision goes the way of the GTV, there's a fair few threads in this forum that have advice for what to look out for.
HTH
>> Edited by pdV6 on Monday 24th January 12:38
Performance-wise, there's nothing much to choose between the 2 equivalent models, but its worth noting that the Fiat is more easily tuneable, should that kind of thing float your boat.
Handling-wise, the GTV has it but the Fiat is no slouch.
Looks-wise, personally I think the GTV is streets ahead. IMO it still looks fresh and the Fiat is starting to show its age a bit.
For the money, there's no way I'd touch a 3.0 GTV for £5k but you should be able to find a tidy TS at around that level or not much more anyway. Not sure what Coupe prices are doing at the moment, so best wait for someone who knows what they're talking about!
If the decision goes the way of the GTV, there's a fair few threads in this forum that have advice for what to look out for.
HTH
>> Edited by pdV6 on Monday 24th January 12:38
Be wary of the constant sloping / repairing of the GTV's door hinges, meaning the windows won't close properly. Gearbox, handbrake and electrics could be a little surdier too. A different class to the fiat IMO, hence twice the price for equivalent examples.
Fiat is good fun with an on / off power delivery, although it's novelty probably wears off pretty soon. Not sure about the badge or what it's like to live with long term however.
Which dealer is closest to where you live, as you'll be there a few times whichever option you go for.
Fiat is good fun with an on / off power delivery, although it's novelty probably wears off pretty soon. Not sure about the badge or what it's like to live with long term however.
Which dealer is closest to where you live, as you'll be there a few times whichever option you go for.
4WD said:
Be wary of the constant sloping / repairing of the GTV's door hinges, meaning the windows won't close properly.
More common is that the limit blocks for the glass slip - easily fixed once you've figured out the secret catches holding the door cards on!
4WD said:
Gearbox, handbrake and electrics could be a little surdier too.
Very few gearbox problems on 'em. Niggly 'box faults usually end up being down to (very much less scary) clutch slave cylinders slowly going awry.
Handbrake, fair enough. Works well enough when properly adjusted, but the adjustment doesn't last too long!
Electrics - well, I think that's mostly down to bad press harking back to shocking examples in the 70's! Airbag light is very common, but again usually simple to fix (need to get the diagnostic machine at a dealership to clear the fault once its fixed, though).
4WD said:
A different class to the fiat IMO, hence twice the price for equivalent examples.
Well, I wasn't going to say it (and offend the Coupe owners!
) but even so, if its a bit of practicality you're after, the Fiat wins hands down. 4WD said:
Fiat is good fun with an on / off power delivery, although it's novelty probably wears off pretty soon. Not sure about the badge or what it's like to live with long term however.
Which dealer is closest to where you live, as you'll be there a few times whichever option you go for.
Usually Fiat/Alfa dealerships are shared. In any case, they're few and far between and usually cr4p (sorry pwig, haven't had experience of your place afaik). Much much better to get a recommendation for a local specialist.
>> Edited by pdV6 on Monday 24th January 14:41
Thanks guys,
you have been a great help, with what to look for, but as far as the 2 makes go, we are still undeceided, its "surreal" so much grief for the wife's shopping basket. As a cerb owner i know all about nasty handbrakes, and electrics are easy to fix, if you know the right people. looks wise both the coupe and the gtv are both bloody gorgeous in their own rights.
4WD you mentioined pwig, be that the same pwig thats a north west p/header? does he work for a local dealership?
Many Thanks
Cooky
you have been a great help, with what to look for, but as far as the 2 makes go, we are still undeceided, its "surreal" so much grief for the wife's shopping basket. As a cerb owner i know all about nasty handbrakes, and electrics are easy to fix, if you know the right people. looks wise both the coupe and the gtv are both bloody gorgeous in their own rights.
4WD you mentioined pwig, be that the same pwig thats a north west p/header? does he work for a local dealership?
Many Thanks
Cooky
The GTV incidents were from first hand experience, not what I'd read somewhere btw. I have a longer list, but I won't scare you off.
Look at the Storm Corrado too. This would be my choice at that level.
In summary, you want a German car with Italian styling. Of which I can't think of any. Err.....
Look at the Storm Corrado too. This would be my choice at that level.
In summary, you want a German car with Italian styling. Of which I can't think of any. Err.....
4WD said:Indeed. I would certainly recommend anyone looking at the Fiat Coupe or Alfa GTV to also look at the Corrado VR6.
Look at the Storm Corrado too. This would be my choice at that level.
But then again, most regular PHers will know that I am ever so slightly biased on this subject.
Now thanks for making even more difficult, vr6 is a nice bit of kit.
But the only reason we are in this situation is, "boring story comming"
After being given orders from trouble and strife to thin out my toys, TVR Cerbera (yer right, wanna lift to your mums if u think this goes before you) My beloved XJS convertible (2 seater) and a Burlington Arrow, (Herald based 1930's roadster kit thing 90% complete) we are left with a couple of Merc's my E Class (named Adolf) by fellow pheader Griff4.0 and her Shopping trolley A Class. so the ideawas sell the Jag, sob! and her trolley and get her something sporty. a fair compromise as I havent mentioned the recently aquired Kwak ZX10 obstructing the washer in the garage.
I couldn't believe my luck when we stumbled across a 1991 BMW M5 in immaculate condition 80k genuine with a history file like war and peace. so we swapped the Jag and are just about to unload the Asda express.
Then it all turned sour, SHE drove the M5 and Sh*t herself ( well it was always gonna happen Beemers may not be everyones cuppa but an M5 with MTec Sports convertion is a bit special)
so here we are she wants a Fiat or an Alfa, sporty but not stupidly quick , so its gonna be either a 2.0TS or the Fiat, What's the main diff in power between the 16V and 20v fiats, and whats the turbo version like, will it run away with her? a GTV6 or VR6 are outa the q. too fast and not enough room for prams, kids and shopping etc.
so now you know the whole damn story...oh and she won't let me keep the Beemer....
But the only reason we are in this situation is, "boring story comming"
After being given orders from trouble and strife to thin out my toys, TVR Cerbera (yer right, wanna lift to your mums if u think this goes before you) My beloved XJS convertible (2 seater) and a Burlington Arrow, (Herald based 1930's roadster kit thing 90% complete) we are left with a couple of Merc's my E Class (named Adolf) by fellow pheader Griff4.0 and her Shopping trolley A Class. so the ideawas sell the Jag, sob! and her trolley and get her something sporty. a fair compromise as I havent mentioned the recently aquired Kwak ZX10 obstructing the washer in the garage.
I couldn't believe my luck when we stumbled across a 1991 BMW M5 in immaculate condition 80k genuine with a history file like war and peace. so we swapped the Jag and are just about to unload the Asda express.
Then it all turned sour, SHE drove the M5 and Sh*t herself ( well it was always gonna happen Beemers may not be everyones cuppa but an M5 with MTec Sports convertion is a bit special)
so here we are she wants a Fiat or an Alfa, sporty but not stupidly quick , so its gonna be either a 2.0TS or the Fiat, What's the main diff in power between the 16V and 20v fiats, and whats the turbo version like, will it run away with her? a GTV6 or VR6 are outa the q. too fast and not enough room for prams, kids and shopping etc.
so now you know the whole damn story...oh and she won't let me keep the Beemer....
Ted! Ted! I've spotted a spy!Well, I'd have to recommend the Fiat Coupe - I've had a 20 valve turbo for 4 years & it's dead practical as well as seriously fast. Surprisingly good sized boot & rear seats - we even took a family holiday (2 adults & 2 then-young kids) to the South of France in it. Kids only complained a bit...
You'll get a decent Fiat for 5k, the Alfa will be more. The normally aspirated 20v Fiat is a good bet if the Turbo is a bit too hairy - same performance as the Alfa 2.0 (actually prob a little quicker), without the Turbo probs of cracked exhaust manifold & quicker front suspension wear. All of them - Alfas & Fiats - tend to suffer front suspension bushes wearing (easily fixed & not too pricey), and squealing brakes at low speeds (not so easily cured in my exp.) Both are great cars to own.
You'll get a decent Fiat for 5k, the Alfa will be more. The normally aspirated 20v Fiat is a good bet if the Turbo is a bit too hairy - same performance as the Alfa 2.0 (actually prob a little quicker), without the Turbo probs of cracked exhaust manifold & quicker front suspension wear. All of them - Alfas & Fiats - tend to suffer front suspension bushes wearing (easily fixed & not too pricey), and squealing brakes at low speeds (not so easily cured in my exp.) Both are great cars to own.
Why do I have so many Cars?
errrr!!! Dunno really
Cerbera is not a car, its the "Devil Incarnate" and just something quite special (not nec. to other Cerb owners but it's all mine, and my very first TVR)what else is so beautiful, quick and noisy and takes apart Porsche's for under 20K ?
We need a family car/my work car with 4 (2 toodlers and 2 older teenagers)kids E Class 7 seat estate (Adolf) is just the ticket for 30K + per year) up and down the M6 and touring france etc.
Wife needs a shopping Trolley with 4 seats min, so a Chimp or Griff is way out of the question (and out of her league for power) hence the Fiat /Alfa saga. and her A Class is to go as soon as I can get around to it. Hardly any need for a Boring A class as the little ones are now out of baby seats and into 1 booster, so a 2+2 is just the job.
The Beemer was a mistake on my behalf, and bloody lovely one, but its already sold, being collected this friday....to some Lucky B*gger (actually a real nice dude travelling from Cornwall to Manchester)
Now the Burlington...well with 4 kids already
and 3 of em females a bloke has to get outa the way and mess about with something...within the bounds of marital bliss...so the uncompleted "Burly" is up for sale too, on eBay. Starts tonight at 9 all P/Header get a 10% discount. 
And the Kwak is just for those warm days when I wanna P*ss off everyone, me the wife and even other TVR drivers (Griff4.0 yes, you too) and and let them see how a 16 year old bike hits 0-170 before they realise what hit them. Unless i hit something first
So there's your answer why so many? and a pretty valid reason for each and every one of them. Except the M5...she really should have let me keep it....
So c'mon guys lets have some input from you lot and see how many of us have more cars than we can possibly justify to the other half...
Afterall aren't we all just "Pistonheads" when you think about it?
I wish to thank everyone in this forum for their input and help, and if/when we find the right Fiat/Alfa I will let you. Meantime everyone take care as Winter is upon us and please stay safe.
Warmest Regards,
Cooky
>> Edited by Cooky on Tuesday 25th January 14:15
errrr!!! Dunno really
Cerbera is not a car, its the "Devil Incarnate" and just something quite special (not nec. to other Cerb owners but it's all mine, and my very first TVR)what else is so beautiful, quick and noisy and takes apart Porsche's for under 20K ?
We need a family car/my work car with 4 (2 toodlers and 2 older teenagers)kids E Class 7 seat estate (Adolf) is just the ticket for 30K + per year) up and down the M6 and touring france etc.
Wife needs a shopping Trolley with 4 seats min, so a Chimp or Griff is way out of the question (and out of her league for power) hence the Fiat /Alfa saga. and her A Class is to go as soon as I can get around to it. Hardly any need for a Boring A class as the little ones are now out of baby seats and into 1 booster, so a 2+2 is just the job.
The Beemer was a mistake on my behalf, and bloody lovely one, but its already sold, being collected this friday....to some Lucky B*gger (actually a real nice dude travelling from Cornwall to Manchester)
Now the Burlington...well with 4 kids already
and 3 of em females a bloke has to get outa the way and mess about with something...within the bounds of marital bliss...so the uncompleted "Burly" is up for sale too, on eBay. Starts tonight at 9 all P/Header get a 10% discount. And the Kwak is just for those warm days when I wanna P*ss off everyone, me the wife and even other TVR drivers (Griff4.0 yes, you too) and and let them see how a 16 year old bike hits 0-170 before they realise what hit them. Unless i hit something first
So there's your answer why so many? and a pretty valid reason for each and every one of them. Except the M5...she really should have let me keep it....
So c'mon guys lets have some input from you lot and see how many of us have more cars than we can possibly justify to the other half...
Afterall aren't we all just "Pistonheads" when you think about it? I wish to thank everyone in this forum for their input and help, and if/when we find the right Fiat/Alfa I will let you. Meantime everyone take care as Winter is upon us and please stay safe.
Warmest Regards,
Cooky
>> Edited by Cooky on Tuesday 25th January 14:15
Pwig,
Hiya and "Happy New Year", not been able to meet-up with any of you lot as I did my back in Big Time one week before Xmas. (Obviously nothing to do with getting in and of the Cerb) but it's a disc thats gone, so I spent 6wks drugged outa my head on tablets. (Unfortunatly not even the recreational type)
If you get chance drop in for a brew and a chat. ps Cerb is not here its at Carol's Mums. The BMW M5 is on the drive. so you can't miss it.
Laters mate, and say hello to the N/W crowd for me.
Cooky
ps, still not seen your new motor
Hiya and "Happy New Year", not been able to meet-up with any of you lot as I did my back in Big Time one week before Xmas. (Obviously nothing to do with getting in and of the Cerb) but it's a disc thats gone, so I spent 6wks drugged outa my head on tablets. (Unfortunatly not even the recreational type)
If you get chance drop in for a brew and a chat. ps Cerb is not here its at Carol's Mums. The BMW M5 is on the drive. so you can't miss it.
Laters mate, and say hello to the N/W crowd for me.
Cooky
ps, still not seen your new motor
Cooky said:
Pwig,
Hiya and "Happy New Year", not been able to meet-up with any of you lot as I did my back in Big Time one week before Xmas. (Obviously nothing to do with getting in and of the Cerb) but it's a disc thats gone, so I spent 6wks drugged outa my head on tablets. (Unfortunatly not even the recreational type)
If you get chance drop in for a brew and a chat. ps Cerb is not here its at Carol's Mums. The BMW M5 is on the drive. so you can't miss it.
Laters mate, and say hello to the N/W crowd for me.
Cooky
ps, still not seen your new motor
I have passed you numerous times when on my way back from work when you have been outside
I did wonder where the cerb went?
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