n00b question:

Grant · #1 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 12:55 AM

Hey you sedan guys,

I would like to own a 4 cylinder alfa somewhere down the line in my life, but am realizing that my 6 foot frame won't fit too well into a spider or GTV. This leaves me with sedans. I've heard great things about Giulia Supers and such but I'm afraid they are too expensive for me. All that is left are Berlinas or cheap giulias (giulia nuova super or such).

So, what are the cheapest/easiest giulia sedan to get a hold of in california? Are Giulias really that much more fun than berlinas? How much slower are Berlinas than a comparable GTV? What does a stock GTV weigh (I think the berlina is 2400-2500 lbs)?

Thanks for your time,
-grant

Giulia1300ti · #2 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 05:01 AM

Don't know about that availability in California, but the Giulia 1300ti would be the most available i guess (i think it had about 140.000 build). I'm 1.92m tall and fit in it perfectly. With it's single dowdraft solex carb it's supposed to produce something like 84 Bhp and I just loooooooooooooooooooooove that car!

**Alex Csank** · #3 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 05:31 AM

Uhhhh,

Ya know...there are lots of guys MUCH taller than 6 feet driving comfortably in GTVs and Spiders! If legroom is what you need, the early Spiders and Bertone coupes seem to have more. Now, I'm not trying to talk you out of your 'Giulia Super' dreams or anything...but if that's your only reason for not going for anything else, then I think you should try them on for size first.

Personally, I am built like a gorilla (dragging knuckles on the ground, 30" inseam and 5'11" tall), so I fit well in most Eye-talian 'machina'. But I DO hang with a lot of guys who are between 6 and 7 feet tall. Many of these guys drive GTVs and Spiders, and they seem pretty comfortable.

Cheers,

**GTV4EVR** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Csank

Uhhhh,

Ya know...there are lots of guys MUCH taller than 6 feet driving comfortably in GTVs and Spiders! If legroom is what you need, the early Spiders and Bertone coupes seem to have more. Now, I'm not trying to talk you out of your 'Giulia Super' dreams or anything...but if that's your only reason for not going for anything else, then I think you should try them on for size first.

Personally, I am built like a gorilla (dragging knuckles on the ground, 30" inseam and 5'11" tall), so I fit well in most Eye-talian 'machina'. But I DO hang with a lot of guys who are between 6 and 7 feet tall. Many of these guys drive GTVs and Spiders, and they seem pretty comfortable.

Cheers,

**papajam** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grant

What does a stock GTV weigh

**CarPoor** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 07:13 AM

Geez, you guys...My Levis are 38"s, and I'm 6'2", 185#. I don't fit a GTV well unless I lean the seat way back, which I don't like, no WAY with a helmet on. Supers and Berlinas fit me well, so it sounds like I'm somewhat analogous to the OP. As to the question, Berlinas are easier to find, certainly, and less expensive. Damian MAY be interested in selling his pretty soon because he just got a Super (you'd have to ask him), and his Berlina is exceptionally sporty- 2 liter, really nice suspension, great exhaust note...the best Berlina I've ever driven, so they're out there. Supers DO come along if you're patient.
HTH
Pat

magista · #7 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 01:35 PM

Technically I'm buying a TI.

I'm Italian, 5'7" and 150 lbs...oh wait...Alfas were designed for people like me! Hah.

Berlina vs GTV well...a lot depends on that. Mine happens to be awefully quick because of the rear axle ratio, the Euro-cams, the dual Webers, the 2 liter engine and the fact that the Euro Berlinas don't have added weight from the door reinforcements like the US spec models. Oh and the lack of headrests, hahahha! The Euro specs also sit a bit lower. The Konis are a nice touch too.

As far as selling my Berlina. It really depends on how much I like the TI. I really don't need 2 cars but I also absolutely love my Berlina. It's fast. If the TI knocks my socks off I'll start thinking about selling my Berlina.

Berlinas are somewhat easier to find. I personally like the styling of the 1750s better but the extra grunt from the 2000 is nice too. TIs and Supers are much rarer. You have to be very patient. I've been wanting one for years and I feel very lucky to have found this one. TIs and Supers will be much more expensive than a Berlina as well.

Now if I were a big old jerkface I'd take the rear axle and engine out of the Berlina and put in on the TI. Zooooom!

BKCowGod · #8 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 01:44 PM

Just FYI

Grant sat in my '78 Spider and looked very funny.

Grant - I have an idea - you give me your V6 and I'll give you my I4. Put the 4 in the Milano and you have a 4cyl sedan!

Grant · #9 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 02:44 PM

HAHA! Nizam already told me TS milanos are slower than slow. Thanks for backing me up and no thanks at the same time.

I just feel the pedals were way too close to my gut for comfort. And the whole spayed leg routine was a bit funny aswell. Seeing and hearing those spiders tear up a mountain sure was an eye opening experience. Makes the milanos look obese. If there was just some way to bring the seat back...

Damian: If you do ever decide to part with your beloved berlina let me know. My father has a friend/fiat nut that lives in WA. I'm sure he'd take a look see for me.

Sorry about any egregious spelling errors. I'm posting on a tiny sharp zaurus pda.

thnx for the time and advice people!

BKCowGod · #10 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 02:51 PM

Next time I'll give you a ride. There's a bit more space in the boring seat.

Oh and the Milanos look obese because they are. Of course, I shouldn't talk. I'm getting a 3200lb car with intentions to race it.

benjoys02 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-21-2004, 09:11 PM

hi grant!
i have a '65 giulia ti and i installed a set of '69 seats on it. guess what...i have room enough for someone as tall as you are now. the stock seats are a bit more bulky, heavier and sits higher. with the '69 seats, i felt shorter but gained more breathing space inside the car not to mention that the inside looks a bit sportier now. forget the back seats because with your size i think you'll fit in one. sorry, but i do not have any pictures at this time...
goodluck in your search!

SeekGTV · #12 (**permalink**) 11-21-2004, 09:50 PM

I'm 6' 2" and I had no trouble fitting in my GT jr. Before giving up on a GTV you might try one on for size.

Grant · #13 (**permalink**) 11-22-2004, 12:17 PM

Haha..part of the Berlina attraction was there lower pricing. I may be able to gather a total of 3K dollars for an older sedan. Obviously a concours car is not what I'm looking for. Maybe a 1300 giulia or a late model Berlina will come my way some time. I remember a Giulia Nuova Super in SF for not a whole lot of money back in the day. O hell, I just want any 4 cylinder alfa that's not a 116 chassis!