[conedriver]

Well said Duckdude. Continuing the thought, go way back to a magazine article where someone (Brock Yates?) discusses "Nervosa". The overall (nervous) characteristics of a car that a good driver masters; thereby demonstrating his exceptional skill. Balony maybe, but could explain why the original Acura NSX wasn't a big hit as an imitation Ferrari because it was too refined or perfect or easier to live with compared to a Ferrari. So, does a 4C have nervosa compared to a Boxster?

..... I would expect most of us Alfistis on here to understand that passion often runs deeper than reason when it comes to love of an automobile....

 

[Peter A]

Definitely Nervosa!

@Max Pershyn I took your counsel from the 4c forum. My car is standard suspension and 18/19 wheels and it is great on the road. If I want more for track I’ll get an adjustable set of coil overs and have the exact stiffness and ride height for Street and track. The 4c requires some fettling I think, like so many of us have done to 101/105/115/116 cars over the years to make it personalized.

Still want...a ‘69 Berlina, oh and a 1970 Buick GS 455.

 

[SteveNunez]

Someone mentioned a transmission fix at 6000 miles: is this typical?

 

[Peter A]

No rampant tranny issues. Some reprogramming on early cars. If you look in the 4C forum there have been a few failures, but then again a lot of owners have taken their cars to the track frequently and worked them out hard with no issues. A few cars have higher mileage and no problems. Not a lot of cars manufactured, approx 10k worldwide and not a ton of mileage accumulated on most. A bit of an unknown perhaps, perhaps we’ll learn more over time and from experience with the powertrain as installed in the Euro Guilietta Q.

These cars are quick on the road, and in 0-60 especially with the launch control feature. I have never used launch control, didn’t buy the car for stoplight racing and that seems to me more likely to abuse the tranny and clutch. I don’t drop the clutch or speedshift my gtv6 either, which is guaranteed to shorten the life of the driveshaft couplings, clutch and gearbox synchros. 🍀

 

[ecohen2]

I have an Alfa 4c. The ride difference between the 17/18 and 18/19 inch rims makes an obvious difference... The ride between the race suspension and the two others also makes a big difference. Mine has the 18/19 and race suspension, every other 4c feels tame compared to it.

I am actually disappointed that Alfa discontinued the 4c since it represented what I believed Alfa was about when it comes to sports cars. They should have continued building onto the platform and maybe introduced a touring version that drive more like the Boxster. Everyone I know who has driven one decides pretty quickly if it is for them or not.

Ed

 

[sloboy89]

I read a review that said the 4C is “the perfect fifth car.” Sounds like that might be accurate.

 

[reachme]

I can echo the original posters drive experience x 10.
First time I drove a 4C was at a test drive event in Positano on 2 way roads not meant for more than 5 mph. I don't know if it the location was chosen for looks or if they actually wanted to terrify potential drivers so steering was challenging, acceleration not really possible, visibility would have been challenging in any car. . but thrilling yes.
I did not film while driving but took these pictures when leaving

 

[reachme]

These are from 7/2016, not initial launch

 

[Lurrr]

Could not let this one go. Even although it is a "people on the internet are wrong" moment.
I'm not saying the OP is wrong or dishonest, but if we're allowed to voice opinion on the 4C...

From a 4C owner for 7 years. Not a driving God*, although miraculously I still hold a driving license.

Exterior/Interior
I could not care less about a car interior. I always wonder if people that go on about (fake, by law) wood insert finish fitment, would pass an F40 for a Hyundai. The only regret I have is that I should have taken the free option of removing the radio. I don't think I used it once. I doubt I would hear much of it. The exterior is a work of art. I would have bought it as a sculpture for that alone.
Engine/Drive Train
In my humble opinion, anyone who drives a sports car at low revs, is probably the type of person that eats a steak overly well-done. Missing. The point. Completely. When properly driven*, this thing is wild.
I have a Pogea tune in the box, gathering dust for years now - I have yet to come to the point where the car is too slow. I was offered the chance to drive a GTAm. Totally different car, but the 4C does not need to look up to it for sense of occasion. And it looks more elegant than that brute.
Handling/Steering
Totally and utterly addictive. The first few weeks I did not dare drive it with anything but two clenched hands and white knuckles, some time in however I learned to trust it. All in all it tramlines less severely than my past 147 with sports suspension and big wheels. No adjustments, no blocks, no tritons, none needed. It carves, weaves and cuts beautifully, although not as silky as a hot Giulia - it is very obviously a light car. Driving characteristics can be set by tire pressure.
Overall Driving Impression
Solid as a rock, except when overdoing it / suddenly loose gravel / in the wet and being an orc. When driven as intended, with precision, and going over the limit, it goes into sweeet four-wheel drifts. Stabilizes with speed.
Other
7 years, cambelt changed, left leds needed replacment, changed battery. Rear tires last 9000km, switched all 4 to GoodYears recently, as the Pirelli's technology is now 8 years old.
Conclusion
This is not a car. It is an adrenaline pump. An automotive drug. I literally have physical withdrawal symptoms when I'm traveling for longer than a week. It makes me smile, each drive is like a holiday, and I could not imagine having to live without it.
PRO: Pure Sex
CON: are you kidding?!

Can you use it as a daily pick-up truck on the farm? No.

 

[Peter A]

She is a savage little beast