Thanks for the English
So, the 156 is a very good car, not because it's mine but because I hesitated between its competitors when I bought it (second hand of November 2000) in April 2003.
I tried :
- Audi A4 1.8 : very slow, good built quality but not very happy inside, bad suspensions (too floopy)
- Peugeot 406 1.8 : excellent handling and excellent comfort, but we see it everywhere : not original any more, design too classic, engine not as cool as in the Alfa.
- BMW 318i E36 : too old design, very serious and old (too much) inside, good handling but when it's not dry, don't go too fast ! Performances ok, not more.
- VW Passat 1.6 : too "dady design"
suspensions worse than in the Audi ! depressing inside, very good built quality, boring engine.
... then the Alfa was my favorite despite the built quality which is not as good as in the competition but good enough. The space room inside is not enough in the rear of the car. On the front it's ok. The suspentions are a less comfy but enough, you can feel the road. Wood steering wheel : nice but not practical when it's hot ! None rear electric windows (option) !!!!! I even had that on my Lancia Delta of 1995 !
But ! Very good handling even if the suspensions are not enough heavy when I brake. The comfort is far much better than in the 155 (my mother had one), again, the 406 is better, but it's the best in its category. The other cars are a little bit better but with a poor handling. Very noiseless, better than the competitors ! Good point, quite new for an Alfa. Quite well loaded (except the rear electric windows !) : Auto AC, impultion electric front windows, alloy wheels, dual airbags, ABS, EBD, plip, etc.
Exceptionnal design, more sporty than the other cars.
And finally the engine ! "Only" an 1.6 120hp but the most powerfull of the category, nice song, very responding, an Alfa motor !!!
I have almost bought a 166 V6 Turbo 205hp because my sister's husband was sellings its car at a very good price (end of a leasing). And I tried it, awesome V6 and full loaded (GPS, leather, rain detector, etc.), but my insurance didn't want
Or for a price that I wouldn't say to you !!!
So my 156 had good performances enough and with the V6 I would have maybe lost my driving licence ! Although, I must know someone in the police to cancel my fines
So here is my little critic for Mr C !
hope it'll please to you !
Forza Italia