Alfa 156 driving position
Discussion
Anyone else had issues with the driving position on the 156? I used to own a V6 with the Momo leather and to be honest I didn't really rate the seats. The backrest was definately made for someone on the heavy-set side, offering little or no back support through the corners. The base of the seat was really flat too, and possibly a bit too soft. It was also a bit too low, meaning the underside of my knees weren't supported all that well, and it felt like I almost had to hover my foot in the air to prevent me pressing the throttle more than I wanted, being that my leg wasn't supported.
My missus also had the same problem. Seems the pedals are really close and the steering wheel further away, or so I found.
My mate has a GTA however....I find that spot on in every way, and my girlfriend does rate it higher, though still not totally comfy.
My Q is that was the Recaro cloth interior any more supportive? We need a new family motor and I'm angling for a 156, otherwise we may end up with a Mondeo (hard to imagine them as rivals really!) but she needs to be comfy in it, and to be able to drive it!
Also been looking at the inbetween circa 2002 models....were they any better? My dad had a Turismo but I can't remember much about it.
We also found that in the V6, the throttle was uber sensitive, which only amplfied the problem of the hovering right leg more. Are the TS's any less responsive? As that may actually be a blessing in disguise!
This'll seem like crap to most, but hopefully someone reading can identify with it!
My missus also had the same problem. Seems the pedals are really close and the steering wheel further away, or so I found.
My mate has a GTA however....I find that spot on in every way, and my girlfriend does rate it higher, though still not totally comfy.
My Q is that was the Recaro cloth interior any more supportive? We need a new family motor and I'm angling for a 156, otherwise we may end up with a Mondeo (hard to imagine them as rivals really!) but she needs to be comfy in it, and to be able to drive it!
Also been looking at the inbetween circa 2002 models....were they any better? My dad had a Turismo but I can't remember much about it.
We also found that in the V6, the throttle was uber sensitive, which only amplfied the problem of the hovering right leg more. Are the TS's any less responsive? As that may actually be a blessing in disguise!
This'll seem like crap to most, but hopefully someone reading can identify with it!
I've never had a problem with my 3 156's, Cloth sports seats, Momo Leather, and finaly the GTA.
The wife could never drive the GTA though, here legs were too short and needed to bend half way down the seat squab... they are just soooo long those seats.
Those big sports seats mentioned by Rick were very good, but you would have to search hard to find a set in the right car.
All Alfa's have a good throttle response and a relatively short travel so I doubt you will overcome that particular 'problem'. At least they have a spring in them, not a peice of cotton wool like a BMW....
The wife could never drive the GTA though, here legs were too short and needed to bend half way down the seat squab... they are just soooo long those seats.
Those big sports seats mentioned by Rick were very good, but you would have to search hard to find a set in the right car.
All Alfa's have a good throttle response and a relatively short travel so I doubt you will overcome that particular 'problem'. At least they have a spring in them, not a peice of cotton wool like a BMW....
Can't say I've ever had a problem (with momo leather seats) and at a mere 5'8" I've got fairly short legs. The only thing I've noticed is the driving position feels quite high in comparison to similar cars, but at least you get a good view.
As has been said, 156 throttles and brakes are always a bit sharp, but offer a great level of smoothness and control once you've got used to them. Everytime I drive something else it tends to feel dull and dimwitted by comparison.
As has been said, 156 throttles and brakes are always a bit sharp, but offer a great level of smoothness and control once you've got used to them. Everytime I drive something else it tends to feel dull and dimwitted by comparison.
I should point out I'm not compunding any of these things as faults as such, just quirks that seem to make it harder for my missus to get along with the car.
These cloth sports seats that are mentioned must be the Recaro (or so I thought) seats that I saw. My old 156 did originally have them, but someone fitted leather. The only clue was the B-pillar trims were still cloth!
Come to think of it, were there two leather interiors? The Momo in my 156 was too soft and un-supportive for my tastes, but I seem to remember a mate having a set of 156 black leather seats which were firm and more like the old Recaro design.
These cloth sports seats that are mentioned must be the Recaro (or so I thought) seats that I saw. My old 156 did originally have them, but someone fitted leather. The only clue was the B-pillar trims were still cloth!
Come to think of it, were there two leather interiors? The Momo in my 156 was too soft and un-supportive for my tastes, but I seem to remember a mate having a set of 156 black leather seats which were firm and more like the old Recaro design.
Kitchski said:
I seem to remember a mate having a set of 156 black leather seats which were firm and more like the old Recaro design.
Those are the ones. On the early cars they were cloth. On later cars they were a (very!) expensive option only in leather as mentioned above. They have the extendable under thigh support, adjustable lumbar and electric recline.I've had no problems at all with the seats or driving position on my 156. Even my 75 year old mother commented on the comfort of the seats not long after coming out of hospital with a broken hip!
Alfa driving positions today are a long way from the very short leg/long arm style of years ago (try a Sud -if you can find one!).
I've got the cloth seats with the rubberised stuff woven in on the squabs. Very comfy, supportive and gripping.
Alfa driving positions today are a long way from the very short leg/long arm style of years ago (try a Sud -if you can find one!).
I've got the cloth seats with the rubberised stuff woven in on the squabs. Very comfy, supportive and gripping.
TIPPER said:
I've had no problems at all with the seats or driving position on my 156. Even my 75 year old mother commented on the comfort of the seats not long after coming out of hospital with a broken hip!
Alfa driving positions today are a long way from the very short leg/long arm style of years ago (try a Sud -if you can find one!).
I've got the cloth seats with the rubberised stuff woven in on the squabs. Very comfy, supportive and gripping.
I find my 156 to be a little on the short leg/long arm side. I can get it comfortable, but I'd be in trouble if my legs were any longer. Alfa driving positions today are a long way from the very short leg/long arm style of years ago (try a Sud -if you can find one!).
I've got the cloth seats with the rubberised stuff woven in on the squabs. Very comfy, supportive and gripping.
Mine has the Momo leather btw, which I find to be very comfortable seats.
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