Advice, Alpine 110 GT, Alfa Giulia QF or F-type 450P?
Discussion
Hello people,
I'm thinking of getting my first proper sports car, and at the last moment before ICE cars disappear.
I'm considering these 3, I know they are different and not exactly like for like, I could get a 2020 model with low mileage for about £50-£60k. This will be a second car to our main EV6 - so doesn't have to be 'practical'.
I like to drive on b-roads but I'm not really a track head, usualy try to stay on the good side of the legal limit. and Also keenly aware of the limitations of big cars on b roads.
I'm looking for great handling, thrilling engine but also comfort an a compliant ride, living in London I have to drive at least an hour or two for any interesting roads and I also like to take the cars to the continent. So basically a really sporty GT more than a track machine.
The Giullia QF seems awesome and everyone likes it (also actually 'practical' but that's less important for me), but I'm a little worried that several reviews I saw/read mentioned it can easily kill you if pushed too hard or even on a wet road, so that's a little alarming.
I really like the Alpine it is mid engine, light pure and delicate but do I really want to wave good bye to petrol with a 1.8 engine as good as it is?
The Jag while seem a little less cool, is also a strong contender.
I didn't get to test drive any of those (will do once the weather improves) and I'd love to hear your thoughts especially if you had a chance to own/drive them in reality. Thank you!
I'm thinking of getting my first proper sports car, and at the last moment before ICE cars disappear.
I'm considering these 3, I know they are different and not exactly like for like, I could get a 2020 model with low mileage for about £50-£60k. This will be a second car to our main EV6 - so doesn't have to be 'practical'.
I like to drive on b-roads but I'm not really a track head, usualy try to stay on the good side of the legal limit. and Also keenly aware of the limitations of big cars on b roads.
I'm looking for great handling, thrilling engine but also comfort an a compliant ride, living in London I have to drive at least an hour or two for any interesting roads and I also like to take the cars to the continent. So basically a really sporty GT more than a track machine.
The Giullia QF seems awesome and everyone likes it (also actually 'practical' but that's less important for me), but I'm a little worried that several reviews I saw/read mentioned it can easily kill you if pushed too hard or even on a wet road, so that's a little alarming.
I really like the Alpine it is mid engine, light pure and delicate but do I really want to wave good bye to petrol with a 1.8 engine as good as it is?
The Jag while seem a little less cool, is also a strong contender.
I didn't get to test drive any of those (will do once the weather improves) and I'd love to hear your thoughts especially if you had a chance to own/drive them in reality. Thank you!
TB404 said:
Hello people,
I'm thinking of getting my first proper sports car, and at the last moment before ICE cars disappear.
I'm considering these 3, I know they are different and not exactly like for like, I could get a 2020 model with low mileage for about £50-£60k. This will be a second car to our main EV6 - so doesn't have to be 'practical'.
I like to drive on b-roads but I'm not really a track head, usualy try to stay on the good side of the legal limit. and Also keenly aware of the limitations of big cars on b roads.
I'm looking for great handling, thrilling engine but also comfort an a compliant ride, living in London I have to drive at least an hour or two for any interesting roads and I also like to take the cars to the continent. So basically a really sporty GT more than a track machine.
The Giullia QF seems awesome and everyone likes it (also actually 'practical' but that's less important for me), but I'm a little worried that several reviews I saw/read mentioned it can easily kill you if pushed too hard or even on a wet road, so that's a little alarming.
I really like the Alpine it is mid engine, light pure and delicate but do I really want to wave good bye to petrol with a 1.8 engine as good as it is?
The Jag while seem a little less cool, is also a strong contender.
I didn't get to test drive any of those (will do once the weather improves) and I'd love to hear your thoughts especially if you had a chance to own/drive them in reality. Thank you!
Having driven all three I’d get the Alpine.I'm thinking of getting my first proper sports car, and at the last moment before ICE cars disappear.
I'm considering these 3, I know they are different and not exactly like for like, I could get a 2020 model with low mileage for about £50-£60k. This will be a second car to our main EV6 - so doesn't have to be 'practical'.
I like to drive on b-roads but I'm not really a track head, usualy try to stay on the good side of the legal limit. and Also keenly aware of the limitations of big cars on b roads.
I'm looking for great handling, thrilling engine but also comfort an a compliant ride, living in London I have to drive at least an hour or two for any interesting roads and I also like to take the cars to the continent. So basically a really sporty GT more than a track machine.
The Giullia QF seems awesome and everyone likes it (also actually 'practical' but that's less important for me), but I'm a little worried that several reviews I saw/read mentioned it can easily kill you if pushed too hard or even on a wet road, so that's a little alarming.
I really like the Alpine it is mid engine, light pure and delicate but do I really want to wave good bye to petrol with a 1.8 engine as good as it is?
The Jag while seem a little less cool, is also a strong contender.
I didn't get to test drive any of those (will do once the weather improves) and I'd love to hear your thoughts especially if you had a chance to own/drive them in reality. Thank you!
The Alfa is brilliant but for what you require do you need 500+ bhp. Looks fantastic.
F type is ok but like the Alfa it’s a big heavy lump. Looks good.
Alpine is light nimble and great for bombing down b roads. Looks are in the eye of the beholder but for pure driving it has the others beat.
Out of those it's the Alipe for me. Beautiful car, couldn't care less about it being a 1.8
The only one I've driven is the F type. I had an experience day with the V8 R and whilst it was very fast and sounded great I didn't come away feeling like if I had the money I'd really want one.
Alfa is an awesome looking thing and has fantastic power but if you don't need practicality then surely light weight and 2 seats is best?
For 50-60k there are a lot of options.
The only one I've driven is the F type. I had an experience day with the V8 R and whilst it was very fast and sounded great I didn't come away feeling like if I had the money I'd really want one.
Alfa is an awesome looking thing and has fantastic power but if you don't need practicality then surely light weight and 2 seats is best?
For 50-60k there are a lot of options.
For what you want to use it for, Alpine. Ex owner here and was in exactly the same position 3 years ago.
After an Elise it's the best B road car on the market trumping a Cayman (also ex owner) due to lower gear ratios, more compliant suspension and significantly more engagement.
Styling is subjective, I love it but not to everyone's taste.
After an Elise it's the best B road car on the market trumping a Cayman (also ex owner) due to lower gear ratios, more compliant suspension and significantly more engagement.
Styling is subjective, I love it but not to everyone's taste.
First off, tough question, great situation to be in, and nice to see someone considering a slightly more eclectic mix of cars. Of course, you don't need us to say you're going to need to drive them. At this price point it's so subjective, and with so many good options it's really going to come down to whatever floats your boat and for whatever reason.
Shooting from the hip I guess, it's a testament to how amazing the Alfa is that it's even in this conversation. Monstrous performance compared to the others. Quick and direct steering hide its weight. ZF gearbox is excellent. Looks gnarly as hell. An Alfa super saloon! I'd love one.
The Jag again brings great looks and a V8! Kind of feels like an RC-F or Mustang V8 rival for me. Heavy, comfortable, great looking GT car with a big f*ck off engine up front. I can definitely see why you'd fancy that. It's a meh for me, though. I can't put my finger on it. It just doesn't excite me.
The Alpine on paper is excellent. To drive it's allegedly even better and is legitimately a very light, two seater sports car. But again, I just wouldn't want one. The combination of slightly odd looks and average engine at this price let it down for me. In fact, one passed me earlier this week in that orange colour. It does look a lot better in the flesh (same as the Cayman really. They photograph poorly, but have serious presence in the flesh).
If you put a gun to my head now and said go buy one with your own 50-60k. I'd probably go Alfa. It's just got it. Whatever "it" is. In the same way the Jag and the Alpine don't.
Shooting from the hip I guess, it's a testament to how amazing the Alfa is that it's even in this conversation. Monstrous performance compared to the others. Quick and direct steering hide its weight. ZF gearbox is excellent. Looks gnarly as hell. An Alfa super saloon! I'd love one.
The Jag again brings great looks and a V8! Kind of feels like an RC-F or Mustang V8 rival for me. Heavy, comfortable, great looking GT car with a big f*ck off engine up front. I can definitely see why you'd fancy that. It's a meh for me, though. I can't put my finger on it. It just doesn't excite me.
The Alpine on paper is excellent. To drive it's allegedly even better and is legitimately a very light, two seater sports car. But again, I just wouldn't want one. The combination of slightly odd looks and average engine at this price let it down for me. In fact, one passed me earlier this week in that orange colour. It does look a lot better in the flesh (same as the Cayman really. They photograph poorly, but have serious presence in the flesh).
If you put a gun to my head now and said go buy one with your own 50-60k. I'd probably go Alfa. It's just got it. Whatever "it" is. In the same way the Jag and the Alpine don't.
Interesting selection of cars! I had downselected exactly the same ones plus the Boxster GTS 4.0 and the Toyota Supra. It’s worth noting that I didn’t drive any of the cars except the Boxster (well, a Cayman) pre-purchase because of time and covid constraints, however I have since driven the Alpine. This article from evo (BMW M3 Competition v Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio v Porsche 911 Carrera | evo) helped with my decision making significantly. I ended up buying a Giulia QV in late 2021 and I’ve had the car around a year now. So hopefully I can offer some useful thoughts!
Positives:
- It has been totally reliable, it’s finished really nicely inside and out and I have no rattles or other nonsense.
- The way it steers is lovely compared to a 3 series. I don’t really like artificially heavy steering and the Alfa is incredibly responsive without feeling deliberately ‘sporty’. The turn in is magic.
- It is really, very, very rapid. I have recently driven a 992 Carrera S in anger at Porsche Experience Centre (we’ll come back to that!) and whilst I know the statistics are in the Porsche’s favour the Alfa feels punchier.
- Peoples reactions are very positive. People who don’t know cars think it’s pretty, and people who do know cars are ‘in the know’.
- It’s really well equipped, with active cruise, very good multi adjustable memory seats, carbon interior pieces etc as standard. I’d say the only must have option is the upgraded steering wheel.
Negatives:
- It’s based on a 4 door saloon. This is really the only downside for me, I love everything else. Sometimes I wish I was in something more overtly ‘sporty’ just for the feel you get. However, on the flip side this is a car I can use all the time including camping trips etc so I’ve used it more often than I would a sports car, and had some good memories doing so.
Other comments:
- The car comes on Pirelli P Zero Corsas, has 510bhp and is RWD. Of course it’ll break traction, especially when wet or cold, but it’s not ridiculous. I think some of the reports to that end are hyperbole. You can also change tyres – I’ll be swapping to Michelin’s next.
Re other cars:
- I’d owned a Megane RS280 immediately prior, so whilst I love the ethos of the Alpine it felt a bit odd to spend so much money and have the same engine. I don’t know why – it just did! However, the engine is a cracker. Responsive, zingy, and much nicer to listen to than the Porsche 4’s in the 718. In fact, the whole car is great, and I can see why some people would much prefer it.
Conclusion:
- I cannot think of a better 1 car solution right now for me than the Giulia, with the potential exception of a 911 Carrera GTS. And even then, having driven a Carrera S and enjoyed it immensely it just reminds me how good the Alfa is. I’m certainly not willing to try and make the trade just yet, so intend to keep the Alfa for a few more years. Whilst I do want/like the idea of a more overtly sporty car I wouldn’t now be willing to trade to an Alpine or anything else of that ilk. For me, the level of performance the Giulia has just makes it so much more exciting. Everytime I get to really drive it I end up being staggered how good it is. Whilst it's been the right choice for me, given that you have an everyday practical car, I can see why something that's a bespoke sports car might have more appeal. I wouldn't let the engine put you off the Alpine.
Positives:
- It has been totally reliable, it’s finished really nicely inside and out and I have no rattles or other nonsense.
- The way it steers is lovely compared to a 3 series. I don’t really like artificially heavy steering and the Alfa is incredibly responsive without feeling deliberately ‘sporty’. The turn in is magic.
- It is really, very, very rapid. I have recently driven a 992 Carrera S in anger at Porsche Experience Centre (we’ll come back to that!) and whilst I know the statistics are in the Porsche’s favour the Alfa feels punchier.
- Peoples reactions are very positive. People who don’t know cars think it’s pretty, and people who do know cars are ‘in the know’.
- It’s really well equipped, with active cruise, very good multi adjustable memory seats, carbon interior pieces etc as standard. I’d say the only must have option is the upgraded steering wheel.
Negatives:
- It’s based on a 4 door saloon. This is really the only downside for me, I love everything else. Sometimes I wish I was in something more overtly ‘sporty’ just for the feel you get. However, on the flip side this is a car I can use all the time including camping trips etc so I’ve used it more often than I would a sports car, and had some good memories doing so.
Other comments:
- The car comes on Pirelli P Zero Corsas, has 510bhp and is RWD. Of course it’ll break traction, especially when wet or cold, but it’s not ridiculous. I think some of the reports to that end are hyperbole. You can also change tyres – I’ll be swapping to Michelin’s next.
Re other cars:
- I’d owned a Megane RS280 immediately prior, so whilst I love the ethos of the Alpine it felt a bit odd to spend so much money and have the same engine. I don’t know why – it just did! However, the engine is a cracker. Responsive, zingy, and much nicer to listen to than the Porsche 4’s in the 718. In fact, the whole car is great, and I can see why some people would much prefer it.
Conclusion:
- I cannot think of a better 1 car solution right now for me than the Giulia, with the potential exception of a 911 Carrera GTS. And even then, having driven a Carrera S and enjoyed it immensely it just reminds me how good the Alfa is. I’m certainly not willing to try and make the trade just yet, so intend to keep the Alfa for a few more years. Whilst I do want/like the idea of a more overtly sporty car I wouldn’t now be willing to trade to an Alpine or anything else of that ilk. For me, the level of performance the Giulia has just makes it so much more exciting. Everytime I get to really drive it I end up being staggered how good it is. Whilst it's been the right choice for me, given that you have an everyday practical car, I can see why something that's a bespoke sports car might have more appeal. I wouldn't let the engine put you off the Alpine.
ZX10R NIN said:
The Alpine is the car from that list followed by the Giulia & Jag third.
Yep, I'd agree.The Alfa is bloody incredible though. I've had one and I miss it. Mulling over my options to get another at some time, but struggling to get the man maths to work.
Think of it less as a super saloon, more of a four door sports car.
Edited by RonnieHotdogs on Saturday 11th March 21:44
Based on what you say about looking for a car to enjoy on B roads without breaking the speed limit, I'd say that's the Alpine. It also has a good ride, it soaks up bumps at speed pretty nicely. My local dealer was very helpful in arranging a good length unaccompanied test drive on good local roads too. In the end I didn't get on with the steering, but otherwise I liked it a lot and it felt worth the money.
Yeah it's only a 1.8, but then if you want to have the fun of wringing a car out without being way over the speed limit, then a 500hp class engine isn't really going to give you that.
Yeah it's only a 1.8, but then if you want to have the fun of wringing a car out without being way over the speed limit, then a 500hp class engine isn't really going to give you that.
I’m heavily biased to the F-Type but it’s a magnificent car. What I would say though is that the pre-facelift V8 models are far more engaging than the facelifted models - better looking (IMO) and the soundtrack is magnificent vs being rather muted in comparison on the facelift. I think it was a p575 that I test drove, so the same power as the SVR had and it just didn’t feel special. When driving the V6S and the V8 of the pre-facelift they were both magnificent! I’m currently averaging around 1500 miles per month in my F-Type, despite working from home I just can’t stop driving the thing as it puts a smile on my face every time
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