[sjmst]

I have a 91 Spider and a 95 164LS. Both manual.
IF you had to choose one over the other, which would it be, and why?

 

[lgbalfa]

OK, this exact poll was placed in the 164 section. I am curious to see if we get some who missed this in the 164 section voting here. The caveat is that if you voted in the 164 section please do not vote again here.
Thanks.


I have a 91 Spider and a 95 164LS. Both manual.
IF you had to choose one over the other, which would it be, and why?

i wish i had a 164s

 

[sjmst]

So far everyone HERE prefers their Spider over their 164.

 

[frieddoh]

My Spider doesn't pull off the line as quickly as the 164 but somehow I find it is more fun to drive. The 164 is really easy to drive and I enjoy terrorizing the terrorizers that try to mow me down in the Spider

All in all I enjoy both cars, both are quite different. The 164 was my previous daily driver and the Spider is my current daily driver. Either way I've had no problems with either Alfa

Looking down the line a Guilia Super may be in my future if the right one comes along. Just need to pave over the side of the yard!

 

[peterlund]

Well... Had many a Spider, and tried out a 164 this summer.... HATED it. Hated the style of the body, the layout of the dash, and just about everything else. I know hate is a strong word, but the allure and the style of the Spider is tenfold better in my opinion than the 164 would ever pretend to be. Boxy and style-less in my opinion, yet fast, its only positive. Hope the new owner of my 164 loves her. My vote is to the spirited Spider... sleek and sexy. My kinda girl.

just my 2 cents.... no flames please.. you asked!

 

[elite38868]

Yikes! Sounds like someone didn't get a very nice 164....

 

[peterlund]

No, it was a nice car actually. But I just didn't like it at all. I am being honest here, and answering the actual question. I think the 164 was designed with a real nice drivetrain paired with a real clumsy body and strange instrumentation and switch design.... like a really big orthopedic shoe! For those of you that own the 164, please do not be insulted. I just dont "get" the car. I admit that I see photos of them once in while, and done up in black they look real nice. But I personally do not want one. Me likey me Spiders.

 

[sjmst]

No, it was a nice car actually. But I just didn't like it at all. I am being honest here, and answering the actual question. I think the 164 was designed with a real nice drivetrain paired with a real clumsy body and strange instrumentation and switch design.... like a really big orthopedic shoe! For those of you that own the 164, please do not be insulted. I just dont "get" the car. I admit that I see photos of them once in while, and done up in black they look real nice. But I personally do not want one. Me likey me Spiders.

That's OK, appreciate the honesty. Actually, I have heard lots of criticisms of the 164, but looks was NEVER one on them!

 

[sjmst]

Time to resurrect this thread.
Well, I am getting the bug again for a S4 spider!
The story:
I have had four 164’s including my current 1995 LS.
I am the original owner of a 1981 Fiat Spider.
The Fiat is a keeper for life.
I HAD a nice red S4 Alfa Spider at the same time I had the Fiat and the 164.
Three such cars were too many, so one had to go.
Figuring I had a Spider (the Fiat), I thought it made more sense to let the Alfa Spider go and keep the 164.
Now, I am really missing that beautiful Alfa Spider.

So, realizing that even though only I can make the decision, I’d welcome any input on the following question:

Should I sell the Alfa 164, and use the money to get a decent S4 spider?
Points to consider:
The Fiat Spider stays, that is a given
The 164LS is MINT. 5 Speed, 48,000 miles, B&G springs, Squadra chip, Rota Wheels, won a prize at the concours at Fiat Freak Out.
Also, of course I do have a Spider (the Fiat) and the 164 is very fast and carries at least 4 people in comfort and luxury.
I want to limit my expense for the Alfa S4 to whatever price I get for the 164.
I ONLY want an S4.

Ok, thoughts??

 

[lgbalfa]

clearly you have an emotional attachment with your fiat.

i thought you did with the 164?

i know you love that car.

it seems like you have the best of both worlds now.

4 door sports car.

2 door convertible.

do you really want two convertibles?

 

[AlfaTango1]

Since I have two 164's do I get to keep one? Actually I love both my 164's but since I have been without a convertible for many years my Spider has been the car I've been using all summer. The gas prices did have a bit to do with it too though. I may feel different after the winter since top up driving won't be on the super fun things to do list I'd imagine.

 

[sjmst]

clearly you have an emotional attachment with your fiat.

i thought you did with the 164?

i know you love that car.

it seems like you have the best of both worlds now.

4 door sports car.

2 door convertible.

do you really want two convertibles?

Good points. Here is some further feedback:

I got myself another BMW (02 325i) as a daily driver. That makes the 164 seem a little redundant. I know, I know.
Also, if this 164 was not one of the lowest miles 164's in the USA, and not in such great condition, it would be a no brainer.
Lasly, if someone wanted to trade an S4 for the 164, I probably would do it.

 

[78-AR-SPIDER]

I would keep my 78 Spider and sell the 91 164L. Its not that I don't like the 164 I just like the Spider more.
Besides it's much more fun arriving at Alfa events in Alfa..

 

[Alfisto Steve]

I have had both the 81 Fiat Spider and the 81 Alfa Spider but I am over Spiders but not over 164s. I drive only 164s so I have to say keep the Fiat and the LS and sell the Bimmer.

 

[lgbalfa]

I have had both the 81 Fiat Spider and the 81 Alfa Spider but I am over Spiders but not over 164s. I drive only 164s so I have to say keep the Fiat and the LS and sell the Bimmer.

i think sam would keep the BMW even if he decides to keep the 164?

 

[Romeo85]

Ive got 2 Spiders and 2 164. Both 164 are faster and smoother specially the S because its a 5 speed. Though I would give up both for another Spider. As great as the v6 is on power delivery and performance. I dislike working on them and its much simpler to work my 2.0l Spiders.

 

[velocedoc]

I agree with Romeo, the spider is easier to work on by far. The spider is fun around locally , but I really love my 164's for a long trip. The give away of 5 mpg for the comfort is a small sacrifice. I just don't know if I am up to doing 750 miles in a spider again. Maybe when I get a new exhaust I will be more inclined to reconsider. Spider parts are cheaper and more plentiful which helps in maintenance costs. Each car is special, how do you compare an apple to an orange?

 

[sjmst]

i think sam would keep the BMW even if he decides to keep the 164?

Yeah, the bimmer is my daily driver. (I commute 100 miles round trip per day).
The only thing on the table is a possible "swap" of a 164 for an Alfa Spider.

...Each car is special, how do you compare an apple to an orange?

Good point and true. But sometimes, if you have had only one apple and four oranges, you want to try another apple.

 

[rabhalter]

I loved my 164's as daily drivers. I had a '91L (auto) and now own a '95 164LS (5 speed). Both gave yeoman service on the daily grind and for long trips. Now that I've retired the 164LS from daily driver responsibilities, I can't find much justification for keeping it as a "fun" car. Too much maintenance - mostly all current now -for too little use.

My 1969 Spider, on the other hand, has always been a fun car and will stay that way. It's pretty basic and really not that comforatble. I probably won't be taking any cross-country trips in it, but it's still a great car, a link to my past, and a keeper.

Best,

 

[sjmst]

I loved my 164's as daily drivers. I had a '91L (auto) and now own a '95 164LS (5 speed). Both gave yeoman service on the daily grind and for long trips. Now that I've retired the 164LS from daily driver responsibilities, I can't find much justification for keeping it as a "fun" car. Too much maintenance - mostly all current now -for too little use.

My 1969 Spider, on the other hand, has always been a fun car and will stay that way. It's pretty basic and really not that comforatble. I probably won't be taking any cross-country trips in it, but it's still a great car, a link to my past, and a keeper.

Best,

This is the way I am thinking at the moment.