[alfasud85]

Greetings to all. I have just joined and am now yet an Alfa Romeo owner.. yet. I am keen on getting an Alfa 159, and was hoping for some advice.

Firstly, I am deciding between a 159 2.2 vs 3.2 V6. I saw there were a couple of previous forums which had discussed this topic, but specifically I would like to ask:

1. How does the Qtronic gearbox of the 3.2 compare with the 2.2 Selespeed gearbox of the 2.2? I have tried the 2.2 Selespeed gearbox and it is kinda "jerky" between gear changes.. is the Qtronic gearbox behave in the same way? I'm not sure about u guys/gals, but I actually do like this "jerky" gear change..

2. How is the 4 wheel drive system of the 3.2? When driving on normal roads (ie not on track), is there any perceptible difference between this 4 wheel drive system vs the front wheel drive system of the 2.2?

3. Does the 2.2 or 3.2 make a better noise? I personally loved the noise that the 2.2 makes, especially with the Rpms climbing and the needle heading for the redline..

That's all for now. Thanks all!

 

[Erik]

I can't see on your profile were on the Globe you are. AlfaBB is mostly about Alfas pre 1994.
The UK based alfaowner.com lost of Alfisti with 159 among all other new or old Alfa models.
If there is an Alfa Romeo club where you live, join and you meet curent owners of 159s.

 

[MarkAsh]

159's are a bit unloved by Alfisti

I have no personal experience with the 159's you mention but I do get the feeling they are not that great. A mechanic friend specialising in Alfa wont recommend any of them. The GM sourced engines have issues with timing chains stretching I think and the diesels HAVE to have an Italian tune regularly or they EGR system in them clogs up requiring the removal of the head. I love the way they look but I don't think they are a step up engineering wise and dynamically from a 156. Someone else may be able to expand on what I have said as I'm not an expert on them