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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
- M1k3yC
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
I'm interested in what people think of the 4C, especially if you have driven one. Coupe or Spider.
I found this detailed thread on PH: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... &t=1761111
I also dug up an old thread on here, but I don't think many people replying had driven the 4C.
Thanks in advance
Mike
I found this detailed thread on PH: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... &t=1761111
I also dug up an old thread on here, but I don't think many people replying had driven the 4C.
Thanks in advance
Mike
2022 Hyundai Kona N - greyhound transport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
Gone to a good home: 2007 E86 3.0Si Sport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
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- Smartbear
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Not driven one, I’ve read a few verdicts saying it’s an expensive Lotus Elise alternative (a very pretty one)
Rob
Rob
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- buzyg
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Wide and pretty. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The 8C is the really special one.
- Mr Tidy
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
And to be fair the few reviews I've read suggest that as stunning as the 8C was, it wasn't a great driving experience.
But then the Z8 wasn't well reviewed either and it hasn't hurt their values!
While I appreciate all the technological wizardry in the 4C, and it is quite a looker in it's own right, it's all too "digital" for my taste in my advancing years what with a 4 cylinder turbo engine, flappy-paddles only, etc.
If I was spending that sort of money on a car I'd much rather spend it on one of those barely used MCs Hexagon get from time to time, or maybe a manual Ferrari 456GT.
Still, that's just the musings of an old technophobe!
Coupes because stunning!
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Gone - Montego Blue
Gone - Ruby Black
Current - Silver Grey MC, Imola Red heated Nappa & carbon trim. Aeros, H & R Coil-overs, 224s, OE Strut brace, Nav, cup-holders, DSP Hi-Fi, pdc, cruise, MFSW, no CDV! E90 330i daily
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- M1k3yC
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Yes and yes, regarding the 8C. Here is a photo I took of one in 2008 at the Classic Motor Show at the NEC.
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- buzyg
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Yes I was thinking of the Z8 comparison as I wrote my first reply. Totally with you on the none digital thing to.Mr Tidy wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2020 11:23 pmAnd to be fair the few reviews I've read suggest that as stunning as the 8C was, it wasn't a great driving experience.
But then the Z8 wasn't well reviewed either and it hasn't hurt their values!
While I appreciate all the technological wizardry in the 4C, and it is quite a looker in it's own right, it's all too "digital" for my taste in my advancing years what with a 4 cylinder turbo engine, flappy-paddles only, etc.
If I was spending that sort of money on a car I'd much rather spend it on one of those barely used MCs Hexagon get from time to time, or maybe a manual Ferrari 456GT.
Still, that's just the musings of an old technophobe!
- -Tom-
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
I absolutely love them. My brother has had one for the last two years, I’m in love with it. I will dig out some detailed photos tomorrow and maybe some videos ...
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- MrPT
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
One of the most disappointing cars ever, but it’s beautiful and I’d still have one (to try and put right).
2008 Z4MC: heavy wheels | crap suspension | skittish rear end | wobbly engine | not enough induction noise | underwhelming turn in | inconsistent braking | lardy battery | chubby steering wheel
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
nah, not for me. i think it looks very weird, i'm unlikely to like the engine, and i've never been that fussed by alfa romeos. if i was thinking purely from an enjoyment point of view, i'd rather have a nice S2000 - better engine, better gearbox, better looks!
- M1k3yC
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Yes, please!
2022 Hyundai Kona N - greyhound transport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
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- M1k3yC
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
I'm curious - what would you do to improve it?
I know it's far from perfect. Although, I think I watched a review that suggested the later cars were an improvement, after they ditched the controversial headlights.
2022 Hyundai Kona N - greyhound transport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
Gone to a good home: 2007 E86 3.0Si Sport
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- MrPT
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
I know that I’d want to experiment with the engine sound as it comes across as very cheap and harsh. From the outside it’s just a horrible blaring mess - at Goodwood it took me a while to adjust to the fact that the noise was coming from a 4C. There are some good sounding 4 pots on the market these days, so Alfa has no excuse.
I haven’t driven one, but I suspect I’d also get annoyed at the steering, since reviews have cited a lack of feel and involvement, which are exactly the things you’d hope for from an unassisted rack. There are community-recommended geo settings which I’d try, and potentially also experiment with bushings and other fixed points in the steering system.
Given we aren’t blessed with amazing driving roads in the south east, it’d be nice if it had a little more boot space for short road trips. It has even less capacity than an Elise, arguably a more focused (and affordable) machine, and 50% less than an Evora.
Apart from that, not much, but the first two are deal breakers for a sports car, and the third isn’t unmanageable but will really limit your ability to get the most out of it.
2008 Z4MC: heavy wheels | crap suspension | skittish rear end | wobbly engine | not enough induction noise | underwhelming turn in | inconsistent braking | lardy battery | chubby steering wheel
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
2006 Z4 2.5si: gone
- -Tom-
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
Some strong viewpoints on its steering when you haven’t driven it
It has no power steering, and as a result it of course feels heavy and rather odd at low speeds. However, once moving, it is the epitome of the over used phrase “it’s like a go kart”. In the dry and on a decent road, it’s so engaging and the steering is unbelievably direct. But at the same time, if you don’t concentrate and hit a rut, it will try and kill you
The engine note I will agree is a little odd, but it’s a clever unit. Whilst there are some odd noises at certain revs, at others it sounds great; couple that with intake nosies next to your ear, and waste gates making all sorts of noises. It makes me feel like I’m driving a baby F40.
Some of the build quality is basic, and you get little to no kit. It really is a toy, and the the daft thing I found was that journalists compared it to a cayman at launch. They’re totally different cars, and can’t be compared. A bit like the Z4M, the journalists who went to town criticising aspects at the launch, now have started talking about those very things as being a positive
The gear box , as far as they go is decent. I prefer a manual, but stuck this in manual mode and you can sit it on the Rev limiter all day if you wanted to; you’re the boss when you want to be. The gearbox and changes do add something to the punchyness of the car, especially when booting it ! Hit boost right, and as a passenger it’s a decent scare!
I’ve driven a lot of interesting, fast, old and new cars. This has been the most exciting for me out of the bunch.
It has no power steering, and as a result it of course feels heavy and rather odd at low speeds. However, once moving, it is the epitome of the over used phrase “it’s like a go kart”. In the dry and on a decent road, it’s so engaging and the steering is unbelievably direct. But at the same time, if you don’t concentrate and hit a rut, it will try and kill you
The engine note I will agree is a little odd, but it’s a clever unit. Whilst there are some odd noises at certain revs, at others it sounds great; couple that with intake nosies next to your ear, and waste gates making all sorts of noises. It makes me feel like I’m driving a baby F40.
Some of the build quality is basic, and you get little to no kit. It really is a toy, and the the daft thing I found was that journalists compared it to a cayman at launch. They’re totally different cars, and can’t be compared. A bit like the Z4M, the journalists who went to town criticising aspects at the launch, now have started talking about those very things as being a positive
The gear box , as far as they go is decent. I prefer a manual, but stuck this in manual mode and you can sit it on the Rev limiter all day if you wanted to; you’re the boss when you want to be. The gearbox and changes do add something to the punchyness of the car, especially when booting it ! Hit boost right, and as a passenger it’s a decent scare!
I’ve driven a lot of interesting, fast, old and new cars. This has been the most exciting for me out of the bunch.
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-Z4 M Coupe, Silver Grey, Imola Red Nappa, carbon leather, CSLs, SuperSprint Race, Track Mode Enabled
-Tesla M3 LR
Previous - 3.0 si sport roadster, Silver Grey with Oregon Pearl Grey leather, Piano black, EIbach Pro, Stubby
-Tesla M3 LR
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- M1k3yC
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Thoughts on the Alfa Romeo 4C?
-Tom-, thanks for sharing your thoughts and the photos! Let your brother know that his car looks awesome!
2022 Hyundai Kona N - greyhound transport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
Gone to a good home: 2007 E86 3.0Si Sport
2018 F56 Mini JCW
2016 MX-5 2.0 Sport Recaro
Gone to a good home: 2007 E86 3.0Si Sport