Sell my Z for Alfa Romeo 4C?

Ryan998

I won't believe a 1.75 L engine car can make me orgasm at all until I tried it.

It will.

ZCanadian

Might want to pack a fresh pair of undies!


When I bought, the car hadn't even made these shores yet, and there was no telling when it might. But everything about it made sense to me, from the swimsuit edition cover looks, to the mid engine layout, from what they squeezed out of that 1.75 litre mill, to the fanatical approach to lightness, from the unassisted steering to the carbon tub. Nearly 4 months later, when I drove 150 miles just to see the unveiling and sit in one on the floor, I was smitten. The first opportunity that I had to drive one was after my name was on its title (that's just the way it was for early adopters), and I couldn't get the stupid grin off my face. 2 hours later, I pulled into my driveway and my face was starting to hurt from smiling for so long!

It makes you feel like a 12-year-old again. Similar to the 370Z, except that everything on the 4C seems to be cranked up to 12. The turbo noises, the intake sounds, the exhaust, the driving position, the steering feel, the turn-in, the rev matching. Even the 370Z looks like it is jacked up on mud tires next to the Alfa!

Once I get a few real miles in the 370Z, I'll post a comparison. Meanwhile, since test drives of the 4C are now readily available, I'd suggest giving one a try if you are at all curious or interested. It is an experience you won't forget - regardless of whether or not the car is for you.

Jordo!

That car is an absolute stunner

I could live with it as my DD, no problem.

I'm a little concerned about any Alpha's reliability... keep us posted on anything that crops up. That wouldn't be a deal breaker for me if I could manage to pick one up next year when my Z is paid off, but it would be good to be forewarned.

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UNKNOWN_370

So true..... Anytime anyone makes a car with BALLS. The press castrates it. But Motor Trend called the Giulia the greatest thing since sliced bread. Paraphrasing of course. I'm all in for a test drive or ride.

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SgtGoldy

Absolutely. I thought about grabbing the car myself.

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Nithmo

I really like the 4C... what a nice looking, cool car. But there are two things that would ultimately keep me from buying one:

1. Size: I seriously wonder if I could fit. I came from an NC Miata, which I found to be roomy enough to keep me happy on a 4 hour drive. But being 6'7", 240lbs... I have a feeling the 4C is a wee bit too small. Sadly.

2. Reliability: It's an Alfa. Alfas have never been known to be reliable cars. Maybe they've changed in the last 10 years? (I'll admit, I don't follow them closely). Obviously the 4C wouldn't be a daily driver, but there's something to be said about reliability and knowing I can go on a 1000km adventure without worrying if I'll make it back. Then again, the Z with it's horrendous CSC that can leave a guy stranded in a hurry isn't exactly the epitome of reliability either

I'd be curious to see what the 5 year ownership costs eventually are for a 4C. I mean, as pointed out, it is rather simplistic... there isn't a ton to break on it (which is pretty awesome!!). But a Ferrari sourced DCT spells $$$$$$ to me. Everything else Alfa spells $$$$$ to me.

ZCanadian

I think you are right about the size. It is pretty tight in the cockpit, and people over 6'4" typically have trouble reading the tacho or looking out the side windows. There is plenty of headroom for a helmet, but not likely at your height.

So far, the main problems have been resolved mainly by software. As a new model, with each copy hand built, there have been a few minor issues. Things like excessive condensation from the a/c lines, a leak here or there, and an oddball fix on the front shock towers (some sort of nylon washer added for a noise). Most serious issues have been with the tranny, but 99% have been addressed by one of a few software patches. We'll see how that goes, down the road. One member of our forum has over 100 laps of the Nurburgring in one season on his - that is not light driving. I think that his best time was in the 8:20 range, BTW. Other than tires and brake pads, and a brake fluid flush, it needed no repair. And it was stock except for the rear pads and R-compound tires.

The transmission is standard Alfa, not Ferrari. It is the same dry dual clutch unit that was in the higher end Dodge Dart, and in the European Giulietta QV. The 4C is 237 HP, 257 Lb Ft stock and people have been pushing upwards of 300HP with no issues.

In many of the ways that count, the car is parts-bin, often out of the FIAT side of the business. Wing mirrors are from the 500 Sport, AC controls are FIAT Punto, Radio head unit is after market. The engine is off the shelf but sleeved (that's done by Ferrari - they do know engines). The timing belt can be changed (according to the dealer) without pulling the mill from the chassis. In general, the operating costs seem quite reasonable. Aside from a bolt tightening every two years (same as a MacLaren or LFA, due to the carbon/aluminum structure), it's quite routine and done at FIAT dealerships (not Ferrari ones). Plus, the car gets 35 MPG on the highway. Try that with any other supercar!

Jordo!

Thanks for that

I'm relieved to know issues have been minor and can be dealt with at any Fiat dealership, either under warranty or on the cheap.

Also, impressed it held together so well after repeated laps.

Damn, I really want one now

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Zoren 370

Did OP finally bought the 4C?

UNKNOWN_370

Size is the only thing that holds me back. 6c quadrifoglio where are you???

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Favorite Quote.
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xxAGAVExx

Really like the 4C, a little concerned about the size, I'm 6', I just need to get out and test drive one. Z has been paid off for a while (not getting rid of it), looking for a new toy in the next year or so, this is definitely on my list.


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UNKNOWN_370

Yeah, that & ride height. Ideal height is 49". Anything less and it's a fight getting in and out. 46.6" is hella low.

__________________
Favorite Quote.
"I'm not gonna kill you... I'm just gonna Bash Your Face In" Jack Nicholson-"The Shining". 1980

JARblue

What is the Z's ride height?

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UNKNOWN_370

51.4"Nismo and 51.8" for others.

__________________
Favorite Quote.
"I'm not gonna kill you... I'm just gonna Bash Your Face In" Jack Nicholson-"The Shining". 1980

kenchan

with a fatso in da car 49"