GT vs Brera

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Tried a search, but to no avail!

To cut a (very) long story short, i've been relocated at work so would like/need to buy a newer, more economical car than my current E46 M3. I'll have around £7-8k (possibly £10k, although that would really be stretching it) to spend on a coupe. It has to be an Alfa, as i can't be bothered to get a 320Cd/CLK CDi etc, and luckily Alfa make two great diesel coupes!

The GT would have to be a BlackLine model, with the 1.9 JTDm engine, whilst the Brera 2.4 JTDm. Both seem to be had for the same sort of money/age and mileage, but i'm really struggling to choose between them.

It's worth pointing out i've only driven a GT, a relatives 2.0 JTS for about 30 miles!

What would you pick and why?

Cheers.

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Thanks for the reply. I think i probably would remap either car after a period of ownership. The GT does seem quite slow on paper, but it's a 16v 150bhp turbo-diesel, and can't be that heavy a car so strange that it seems to be slower than the same engined 156 Saloon. Just realised they make a 170 version (although not BlackLine) - oh, and forgot about the Q2...hmmm.

I really would like to know what owners of the Brera are getting MPG-wise - although it's not a big deal breaker i would hope for at least 35-40mpg?

Also what were the options on the Brera? Is the SV panoramic roof worth it, or does it add to the wieght of the car?

Cheers

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Squadrone Rosso said:

The 2.4's seem majorly problematic, due in main to the DPF & EGR's. Many people remove these & remap at the same time then cry a few weeks later as they need a clutch.

That was another question i forgot to ask - if the Brera had DPF. I know the older GT JTD doesn't.

Thanks for all replies, seems to be a mixed opinion. At first i was drawn to the GT, but know having read up and looking at the similar prices it seems i may plump for a Brera!

....perhaps i should sell the M3 and get a GT 3.2 V6 AND a Brera 2.4JTD!

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Again, thanks for the replies.

I've been giving it some more thought and compiled a sort of comparison list, as it were.

Let's see who agrees with this :

GT 1.9 JTDm 150 Vs Brera 2.4 JTDm


Performance : Brera wins

Economy : GT wins

Handling : GT wins (?)

Interior : Brera wins

Looks : Tie! Possibly edging ahead with Brera!

Cost to buy : GT wins

Cost to run : GT wins

Residuals (as if that's important!) : Brera wins

Reliability : GT wins (?) At a guess!


So that's GT : 5/9 & Brera : 3-4/9

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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.

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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!!

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HeatonNorris said:

JimmyJam said:

Tell more!

I'm going to assume it had the panoramic glass roof option. So it's not entirely a surprise that they crack every so often.

What would be the cost to replace that then?!

For those interested i'm still struggling to choose! The BlackLine GT was sold and having though about it, i would get bored of the 1.8 TS fairly quickly - especially considering i drive an M3 currently!

I think i'm going to have to wait to see which comes up first locally and then pick from there. Unless anyone on here are thinking of selling a GT or Brera...