I really like the 4C... what a nice looking, cool car. But there are two things that would ultimately keep me from buying one:

1. Size: I seriously wonder if I could fit. I came from an NC Miata, which I found to be roomy enough to keep me happy on a 4 hour drive. But being 6'7", 240lbs... I have a feeling the 4C is a wee bit too small. Sadly.

2. Reliability: It's an Alfa. Alfas have never been known to be reliable cars. Maybe they've changed in the last 10 years? (I'll admit, I don't follow them closely). Obviously the 4C wouldn't be a daily driver, but there's something to be said about reliability and knowing I can go on a 1000km adventure without worrying if I'll make it back. Then again, the Z with it's horrendous CSC that can leave a guy stranded in a hurry isn't exactly the epitome of reliability either :p

I'd be curious to see what the 5 year ownership costs eventually are for a 4C. I mean, as pointed out, it is rather simplistic... there isn't a ton to break on it (which is pretty awesome!!). But a Ferrari sourced DCT spells $$$$$$ to me. Everything else Alfa spells $$$$$ to me.

I think you are right about the size. It is pretty tight in the cockpit, and people over 6'4" typically have trouble reading the tacho or looking out the side windows. There is plenty of headroom for a helmet, but not likely at your height.

So far, the main problems have been resolved mainly by software. As a new model, with each copy hand built, there have been a few minor issues. Things like excessive condensation from the a/c lines, a leak here or there, and an oddball fix on the front shock towers (some sort of nylon washer added for a noise). Most serious issues have been with the tranny, but 99% have been addressed by one of a few software patches. We'll see how that goes, down the road. One member of our forum has over 100 laps of the Nurburgring in one season on his - that is not light driving. I think that his best time was in the 8:20 range, BTW. Other than tires and brake pads, and a brake fluid flush, it needed no repair. And it was stock except for the rear pads and R-compound tires.

The transmission is standard Alfa, not Ferrari. It is the same dry dual clutch unit that was in the higher end Dodge Dart, and in the European Giulietta QV. The 4C is 237 HP, 257 Lb Ft stock and people have been pushing upwards of 300HP with no issues.

In many of the ways that count, the car is parts-bin, often out of the FIAT side of the business. Wing mirrors are from the 500 Sport, AC controls are FIAT Punto, Radio head unit is after market. The engine is off the shelf but sleeved (that's done by Ferrari - they do know engines). The timing belt can be changed (according to the dealer) without pulling the mill from the chassis. In general, the operating costs seem quite reasonable. Aside from a bolt tightening every two years (same as a MacLaren or LFA, due to the carbon/aluminum structure), it's quite routine and done at FIAT dealerships (not Ferrari ones). Plus, the car gets 35 MPG on the highway. Try that with any other supercar!

Thanks for that :tup:

I'm relieved to know issues have been minor and can be dealt with at any Fiat dealership, either under warranty or on the cheap.

Also, impressed it held together so well after repeated laps.

Damn, I really want one now :yum:

Did OP finally bought the 4C?

Size is the only thing that holds me back. 6c quadrifoglio where are you???

Sell my Z for Alfa Romeo 4C?
 

Really like the 4C, a little concerned about the size, I'm 6', I just need to get out and test drive one. Z has been paid off for a while (not getting rid of it), looking for a new toy in the next year or so, this is definitely on my list.


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Yeah, that & ride height. Ideal height is 49". Anything less and it's a fight getting in and out. 46.6" is hella low.

:confused:

What is the Z's ride height?

51.4"Nismo and 51.8" for others.

with a fatso in da car 49" :ugh:

At "just" 6', the consensus is that you'll be fine. From there, it depends on whether you are long legged, or tall in the torso, or about equal. There is plenty of leg room (for the driver, not as much for passenger), so long legs are not as big an issue save for having to fold them up to get in and out (a skill you soon develop, as the rewards of getting in exceed any small amount of inconvenience and some loss of dignity). Those with particularly tall upper bodies sometimes have difficulties seeing the top of the display (including the tach) for the steering wheel, and a few in the 6'-4" and above range say they have to hunch over to see properly out of the side window. There is very little adjustment to the seat (weight savings). It slides back and forth a lot, tilts slightly, and if you get your tool kit out you can change the height a total of about 1".

ROTFL. You win this thread!
:rofl2:

I just did some checking for 4C's in my area. There aren't many, but enough to make me think I can pick a gently used one up next year for upper 40's to low 50's.

That's the likely ball park for kitted out new Z or Supra, so I will be comparing and contrasting those three for sure :tup:

If you take one for a spin, give us your impressions.

In case the OP or anyone else is listening...

Alfa has closed the factory ordering window for 2017 coupes for North America (and of course, did so without telling their dealerships!!!). There are currently no plans to run more 2017 Spiders for these shores. This is official from Alfa Romeo.

There will be a 2018 Alfa 4C Spider coming, but it does not appear that there is going to be a North American 2018 Coupe. After that, no firm word but it appears the model will be discontinued. The coupe is said not to be compliant with new DOT MVSS rules for occupant ejection that have a 2018 deadline. Convertibles are exempt from that, but unless they continue to run Coupes for the rest of the world, it likely does not make sense to continue the platform beyond 2018. This was more or less alluded to by Reid Bigland (CEO of Alfa) in Detroit in January, and has been echoed before and after by others.

The 4C was never planned to be around for the long term, and frankly, I don't believe they made any money on them - or ever intended to. It was a promotional stunt, and those who got/get one are very lucky participants in that. You wouldn't believe how every trip needs to be planned in advance because it often takes 15 minutes to get from the car to the edge of the parking lot, and another 15 to get past people asking questions in order to leave again. I'm not exaggerating. You buy one of these things and you're an Alfa Romeo honourary ambassador for life! Definitely NOT a car you buy to not be noticed in.

People Hate me for Hating the Alfa Romeo 4C. Damn.*

What this faggaroon fanoik doesn't get is that he reviewed this car as if he were driving a performance car. Not a TRACK car. He said he's all for unassisted steering but this is HARD?!!

NO Shyt Sherlock? Behead this guy n Throw his carcass in a Prius. Whiny bitch fanoiks reviewing cars that they don't understand.

Problem with YouTube is. Everyone wants to review like they know shyt when they don't. Then they whine like pansy azz bitches when they get flamed.

I know the 4c is a little too aggressive for me. But I also can see how this thing is superior to a Cayman in terms of it being more REWARDING to drive.

Azz pumped pillow biter don't get that part. !!! Pansy!!!

So angry :stirthepot:

I guess I am a "Azz pumped pillow biter" to the first degree because although I really, truly appreciate the concept of the 4C, I just can't get past the looks. And it's just the front-end that I find to be butt-ugly enough that it ruins the whole car for me. I would take a Porsche Caymen S or an Ariel Atom and probably 20 other cars over it for this really lame, superficial reason.

I will get back to biting my pillow :superghey:

Lol.... yeah but you at least know what it's supposed to be n respect it. This fvckin guy....lol. he's a clown.

You're not talking about CUPHOLDERS in a 4c

I understand where you are coming from, but I seldom see the front end while I'm driving it!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I'm curious to know what it is about the front end that bugs you so much. In black, I think the front half of the North American version (clear headlights) and spoke wheels looks almost too Cayman-like. The tri-lobo grille is signature Alfa. I do admit that it looks much better from a low approach (like driving up to it in another 4C) than standing over the hood. Much better execution IMHO than for instance the 8C, though.

http://image.superstreetonline.com/f...ront-fascia-14

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...Q7TyoKbwIHBcOw

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...uH73ijWqvgOciA

If I could pinpoint an area where it loses it for me aesthetically, it would be the red highlighted area below:

[IMG]http://www.the370z.com/members/black...-dead-spot.jpg[/IMG]

Generally the whole front-end just looks too bulbous to me. It's like the rear-end of the Z has been transplanted to the front of the 4C. I don't like the tri-lobo grill except for the inverted triangle. The first time I saw one in person I approached it from the rear and thought it looked great, but when I came around to the front my thought was "now that's unfortunate". I realize to a lot of people this curviness is what is appealing, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder of course.

See, now I am a freaking jerk crapping all over the looks of your car, when the real focus is on the fun to be had with it on and off the track. I am that shallow :shakes head:

I know you and others love it, so that's pretty cool :tup:

Nope, not a jerk at all. I was interested to hear your opinions and the reasons behind them, that's all!
I know the car is not for everyone, but mostly it is people who can't handle the raw nature of it. That's not going to be a 370Z fan like us, tho.

I'll agree that the front is not the best angle. Most people get more of the rear view of my car!!! :rofl2:
"But officer, I was just doing a public service in not forcing other motorists to look at the front of my car! A friend told me to." ;-)

idk if anyone cars but todays blipshift shirt is the 4c: https://www.blipshift.com/

nvm. its not the 4c. im a filthy liar.

Only complaint I had about the car, were the stock seats. They do not hold you... at all. Had my knee holding me against the center console.

That is what this is for:
CG-Lock for Adults - CG-Lock.com :icon17:

As the driver, or passenger? I find I'm tucked in pretty good but the dead pedal gets a workout and occasionally my knee on the door panel when I'm on the track. Passengers can get chucked around pretty good, though.

Might also depend on which seats that the car you tried was equipped with.
I only have experience with the "racing" package seat - leather with microfibre inserts. Pretty grippy, but still the same shape as the straight leather and the basic cloth versions. The shape is definitely a compromise between comfort, weight, and containment.

To get bigger bolsters, you give up a lot of room for getting in and out of the car. I think that's why it is the way it is.
With the long door, enormous sills and fairly forward seating position, if there is ANYTHING at all next to the driver's side preventing the door from opening wide (garage wall, parking garage column, other car, or even tall curb), you could not get into the car if it had better bolsters (unless you change to a removable steering wheel).

da red one's like wooo ferrar...:confused:

oh.. alfa :ugh: so better u get da white one not to disappoint.

Side by Side Comparison
 

Some comparsion photos the wife's Z.
I still owe you a write-up, but no time for that ATM. Laters!

Wow beautiful, I was thinking of the 4c but I may keep the z and go FI , besides I just got a new triumph Daytona 675 to keep me happy ☺

This is what the front should have looked like
Alfa Romeo 4C Goes From Bug-Eyed To Mean Looking In Virtual Take

ZCanadian, your Alfa Romeo 4C is definitely a beautiful vehicle. It is a head turner and has my attention. I might have to make a call to my local Alfa dealer for a test drive. I played around on their website earlier today. The yellow with the Akrapovic exhaust and rear spoiler was simply stunning.

Go for it!
You'll never know until you try one. Video (and audio) does not do the 4C justice. It's better in person.

I predict you'll know in 10 minutes if it's not for you, or if it's a car you can't live without. There's little middle ground. While there is enthusiasm for Japanese and German marques, Italian ones invoke passion.

If I can answer any questions, just ask. If you were closer, I'd take you for a spin in mine.

Who are you closer to -Oakville, or Vaughan? They are both owned by Remo Ferri Group.

I live on the border of Miss./Oakville but my work takes me to Vaughn a couple of times per week. Plus I have a good buddy up at Roy Foss in Woodbridge who's been chasing me to trade in the Z for a new Vette. He's got me. I also love the Lexus RF-C. And now this A R 4C just tickled my fancy.

For sure, as soon as I have an hour or so to devote to a test drive I will pop into one of these dealerships. A professional referral is always awesome. Anyone in particular I should ask for at the dealerships? If you ever need a hook up for a GM vehicle, just let me know. You can send me a PM.

Thanks for the offer on the spin, much appreciated.

The Z looks like a sedan by comparison.

From the back of the Alfa Romeo it looks like a Ferrari

:icon18::iagree:

I laugh when I'm stuck in traffic. Since when have they started jacking up the Toyota Corolla???

Few more gratuitous shots for you, from a recent track day (with go-fast wheels and rubber) ...

[QUOTE=ZCanadian;3668124]Few more gratuitous shots for you, from a recent track day (with go-fast wheels and rubber) ...[/QUOTE

4C is such a photogenic sports car looks awesome in all angles in pictures, even better in person. Its like a supermodel with a pretty face and sexy body lol Great custom license plate also lol

[QUOTE=sunkist350z;3668169]Thanks much!

It's a suprermodel that actually does what the body suggests it's capable of, too. ;-)



Yes, I make a bunch of mistakes in those laps. I suck on track, but I'm working hard on sucking less. And the 4C is such a capable car on the race track that it will be a long time before I need to mod it to keep up with my abilities.

For the few in a few threads who insisted on applying 25-year-old quality data to today's cars, you might find this intreresting:
https://inews.co.uk/essentials/lifes...e-top-5-honda/

Real world data from customer reports.
Lexus gets the best ranking at 92.1/100 reliability / quality. Alfa is # 5 at 85.8%. Honda 6th with 84.9 . Nissan ranked 29 at, cough cough, 52.7% right behind that bastion of quality, Citroen!

Just sayin'.

get the Giulia or go home