02-23-2006, 01:19 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: France
Posts: 307
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 Quote:
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Originally Posted by RussianM3_dude
Italian manufacturer using modified American engines, is like an Italian restaurant serving "modified" McDonalds burgers (with olive oil and prosciuutto on top).
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80's Alfa transaxles were not so perfect (euphemism !!) but they were saved everytime through their marvellous authentic Alfa engines. These have saved the Alfiat GTAs too despite the nonsense fwd chassis.
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02-23-2006, 01:49 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Italy
Posts: 70
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Broyax
If this was Alfa who designed this "premium" chassis, it would have been a rwd. Like the Alfa 6.
The only interesting feature about 'premium' chassis is his Q4 transmission but the whole 159 Q4 is close to the 2 tons limit : ridiculous. Sort of a poor Phaeton without W12 and without power to move it correctly.
Alfetta transaxle chassis was 100 % Alfa and you could see it at the time it was launched ! sophisticated evolved advanced efficient beautiful etc (I'm lacking superlatives).
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Previously after the good impression of the brera designed by giugiaro Alfa decided to change the style of the 939 ispirated to Brera on Premium.
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La vita è troppo corta per non guidare italiano
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Looking for an Alfetta GTV
Last edited by Gtam; 02-23-2006 at 03:08 PM.
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02-23-2006, 05:33 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Nashua, NH USA
Posts: 1,286
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Getting back to the original query: I would entertain both the Brera and the 159, leaning towards the 159 for utility/space. I'm not sure that I could afford either as new, but definitely as a two year old on the used car market,
Gtam, I like your new avitar.
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Nick D'Eri
1968 Fiat Dino Spider 2.0
2003 Saab 9-3 Linear
2008 Piaggio Fly 50
1977 Peugeot 103 Moped
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Former Italians:
1992 164S 2002 - 2008
1981 Spider Veloce 2001 - 2003
1974 Fiat 124 Spider 1979 - 1981
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Dad's Former Italians:
1962 Giulietta Spider 1964 - 1969
1969 Berlina 1750 1970 - 1971
Dignity...at all costs
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02-24-2006, 05:04 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Italy
Posts: 70
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by modena782002
Gtam, I like your new avitar.
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__________________
La vita è troppo corta per non guidare italiano
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Looking for an Alfetta GTV
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02-24-2006, 05:47 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 244
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Does one really think GM cannot make decent engine and a handfull Italians are going to give
GM a lecture on cilinderhead design??? The GM L850 is a good, smooth, maintenance free and powerfull unit.
To my knowledge Alfa Romeo had about 15.000 people working for them in the 80s but
in recent years it could be about 2.000 people for the design department and the V6 assembly.
Hardly insufficient to be handed out the responsibility to design a cilinderhead but it is likely that in conjunction with Saab, GM, Fiat they have developed a HiFi unit to be used with JTS or for Saab with a turbo. It is not a garage approach and in a later stage Alfa Romeo has fettled with the unit. BTW there are atm. Opel GM L850 4 cilinders which offer 80bhp/litre without JTS.
I certainly wouldn't want an engine made by Alfa Romeo nowadays and would prefer a Ferrari V6. You want something made to high standards from a solid company. Alfa Romeo is very small potatoes and forget inhouse development because it isn't mass production feasible.
Developing a car is counting cents and pennies.
Shame on FIAT for yet again FWD but is developed to please people who prefer a very comfortable sportingcar with good looks.
Last edited by Enrico; 02-24-2006 at 06:09 AM.
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02-24-2006, 06:02 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: France
Posts: 307
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Yep but what about BMW or Honda engines in the 159 instead of GM crap ?
It would be cool having these great units (L6 BMWs and L4 Honda Vtecs) in an "Alfa".
I say that because Fiat is not willing to provide italian engines for Alfa. What a pity. So let's go straightly for the best they can find in the world.
Oh I guess BMW and Honda don't want to maybe  |
02-24-2006, 06:15 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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Nobody is forcing you into an Alfa Romeo 159.If you do not like them you can buy something else.
If Alfa Romeo will sell lots of the 159/Brera they have made the right choice.
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02-24-2006, 06:18 AM
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Banned
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I'm doubtful but who knows ? they may be right.
Or it may be a complete disaster. Don't act.
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02-24-2006, 06:43 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2005
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There have been many, many people who didn't like the Alfetta transaxle lay out when introduced in the 70s and cried its soul was lost. They have said the GTV was more rewarding, responsive and didn't like Alfa Romeo making cars that were quieter, more refined, softer etc.
I have allways changed the transaxles to make them a bit more like the 105.
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02-24-2006, 07:28 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Transaxle Alfas are much more balanced and easier cars to drive than 105 series. Though I like Giulia and 1750/2000 berlinas of course.
BTW your comparison is not pertinent : there weren't Opel engines in the new Alfetta series ya know...
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02-24-2006, 07:34 AM
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Just buy a 147 or 156GTA!! Just my opinion |
02-24-2006, 08:52 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Italy
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by dretceterini
Just buy a 147 or 156GTA!! Just my opinion |
__________________
La vita è troppo corta per non guidare italiano
_________________________________________
Looking for an Alfetta GTV
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02-24-2006, 11:48 AM
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2006
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by dretceterini
Just buy a 147 or 156GTA!! Just my opinion |
If I had to buy a modern car, it would be a japanese (RX8, 350Z or Impreza ).
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02-24-2006, 12:43 PM
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Location: Montreal, Canada
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Over some fine European machinery?
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Originally Posted by Broyax
Never !
If I had to buy a modern car, it would be a japanese (RX8, 350Z or Impreza ). |
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Be warned though, Alfas can have a strange effect on owners; ‘Alfaholic’ a recognised condition among car enthusiasts
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02-24-2006, 01:26 PM
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Banned
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: France
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by dave_fonz_164
Over some fine European machinery?
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Some BMWs are pretty interesting but way too expensive.
And I rather prefer the japanese touch : great styling, they improved very much on the last decade.
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