Discussion
Currently considering putting my cooper s works up for sale and going for a 147 GTA. Prices seem to have dropped to a very attractive level now - seen a couple around the £7k region.
Having considered one a while back, have done plenty of reading up on them (inc the evo buyers guide) and think im clued up on the main points such as the belts needing to be done religiously, and the 330mm brake upgrade and the Q2 diff being the must-have upgrades.
Ive never driven one, never heard one and probably only seen a couple out and about, but im very much drawn in by the 6 cylinder engine, the subtle yet aggressive looks, and the semi-gt nature of the car like the leather seats and bose stereo which will come in handy on the motorway trips i do a couple of times a week.
Having come from a long stream of cars such as an S2000, 350z and a tuned focus ST, im hoping the alfa will give a good balance of all of these in terms of handling, practicality, frugality and aural satisfaction.
Thoughts from any owners welcome, or if anybody is knocking about in and around blackburn or chester who fancies showing me theirs in the flesh before i take the plunge, that would be most appreciated!
Having considered one a while back, have done plenty of reading up on them (inc the evo buyers guide) and think im clued up on the main points such as the belts needing to be done religiously, and the 330mm brake upgrade and the Q2 diff being the must-have upgrades.
Ive never driven one, never heard one and probably only seen a couple out and about, but im very much drawn in by the 6 cylinder engine, the subtle yet aggressive looks, and the semi-gt nature of the car like the leather seats and bose stereo which will come in handy on the motorway trips i do a couple of times a week.
Having come from a long stream of cars such as an S2000, 350z and a tuned focus ST, im hoping the alfa will give a good balance of all of these in terms of handling, practicality, frugality and aural satisfaction.
Thoughts from any owners welcome, or if anybody is knocking about in and around blackburn or chester who fancies showing me theirs in the flesh before i take the plunge, that would be most appreciated!
Sorry i'm not closer but there will be plenty at NAD next weekend.
With prices as they are just now, I think your right to try one as it fits in with what you want.
Wish I'd waited till this year to buy one, I would have save a couple of grand easily.
They are more like a GT than hot hatch.
With prices as they are just now, I think your right to try one as it fits in with what you want.
Wish I'd waited till this year to buy one, I would have save a couple of grand easily.
They are more like a GT than hot hatch.
The best part of owning a GTA by far is the engine note. The hugging front seats are also a rather good place to be. It makes a wonderful GT style car. But don't go expecting it to be a hot hatch like the old school breed with kart like handling and responses. It's not really an involving hoon mobile. It's more a refined point and squirt type of drive. Personally I grew a little frustrated with the physics of a very heavy engine pushing it's nose wide on tight corners. But for a glorious sounding more sensible drive it's a good choice, particularly if your on motorways more than B roads.
I've had mine just over a year and it still puts a smile on my face everyday.
It just feels so special, the interior is such a nice place to be and its rare you see another - I've only seen one other in the time I've owned mine.
I agree that its not nible like the older hot hatches - I had a 145 Cloverleaf before it which was a scream when driven hard. The GTA feels more grown up, I just drive it differently.
My only critism is that the suspension can get caught out on bumpy/uneven surfaces - its easy to ground out on country lanes. I'll likely put coilovers on mine to sort this.
Try one, I think you'll like it.
It just feels so special, the interior is such a nice place to be and its rare you see another - I've only seen one other in the time I've owned mine.
I agree that its not nible like the older hot hatches - I had a 145 Cloverleaf before it which was a scream when driven hard. The GTA feels more grown up, I just drive it differently.
My only critism is that the suspension can get caught out on bumpy/uneven surfaces - its easy to ground out on country lanes. I'll likely put coilovers on mine to sort this.
Try one, I think you'll like it.
YEs, the suspension is the GTA's biggest downfall. Grounds very easily on lesser roads and generally looses composure. Its very powerful and very heavy up front so its not difficult to bounce the nose off the ground! I love my car but I've had to change for Koni FSDs. Certainly better but the GTA is inherently flawed in the suspension department. Wouldnt let that put you off though. These problems only occur when you really push it and you can learn to work around them. Its a fabulous car. Looks, sounds and goes great.
Also thirsty!! I average 19pmg...
Also thirsty!! I average 19pmg...
cheers for all the replies chaps. hopefully going to see one over the next couple of days so im sure that will make my mind up once and for all!
i think the comment regarding the suspension would be an "issue" after coming from my mini which seems to eat up any surface you throw at it...although...the amount of times my journey is spirited and on poorly surfaced roads are few and far between so im sure it wont be an issue in the grand scheme of things
i think the comment regarding the suspension would be an "issue" after coming from my mini which seems to eat up any surface you throw at it...although...the amount of times my journey is spirited and on poorly surfaced roads are few and far between so im sure it wont be an issue in the grand scheme of things
I own an Alfa GTV V6 3.2, which is probably fairly similar to a 147 GTA.
I also currently have the use of my brother's MINI Cooper.
They really are like chalk and cheese.
The Mini handles like a kart, turns in nicely and loves twisty B roads. It is also under geared, thrashy, sounds crap, is hopeless on the motorway and is tiring to drive. I was surprised just how similarly it steers and handles to a proper Issigonis Mini.
The Alfa is a sublime, wonderful engine in a stylish car with fairly flaky build quality. The suspension feels underdamped and the steering vague, especially compared to a MINI. The turning circle is a joke.
The Alfa flatters you. You tend to drive it like a big GT car, rather than a hot hatchback. You enjoy the style, the character and more than anything THAT engine. It has really long gearing and is just gently slumbering at 80mph.
I much prefer the Alfa, but then again, I'm 40 years old and I'm fat and past it.
I don't really see eye to eye with the MINI. I'm not struck by all the retro touches and the way it tries to replicate the original Mini. The interior looks like a bloody juke box, whereas any Alfa has its own style and substance.
But there's no denying that the MINI is a much sharper handling car that is nicely screwed together.
You really need to try the Alfa. It is a completely different animal.
I also currently have the use of my brother's MINI Cooper.
They really are like chalk and cheese.
The Mini handles like a kart, turns in nicely and loves twisty B roads. It is also under geared, thrashy, sounds crap, is hopeless on the motorway and is tiring to drive. I was surprised just how similarly it steers and handles to a proper Issigonis Mini.
The Alfa is a sublime, wonderful engine in a stylish car with fairly flaky build quality. The suspension feels underdamped and the steering vague, especially compared to a MINI. The turning circle is a joke.
The Alfa flatters you. You tend to drive it like a big GT car, rather than a hot hatchback. You enjoy the style, the character and more than anything THAT engine. It has really long gearing and is just gently slumbering at 80mph.
I much prefer the Alfa, but then again, I'm 40 years old and I'm fat and past it.
I don't really see eye to eye with the MINI. I'm not struck by all the retro touches and the way it tries to replicate the original Mini. The interior looks like a bloody juke box, whereas any Alfa has its own style and substance.
But there's no denying that the MINI is a much sharper handling car that is nicely screwed together.
You really need to try the Alfa. It is a completely different animal.
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