Brera 3.2 prodrive to Abarth 595 competizione
Discussion
I went from a 2.2 spider to an Abarth 500 SS - didn't miss the Alfa and the Abarth was much more fun to drive. The Abarth felt better put together and a bit more special for some reason.The noise with the Record exhaust is addictive. They are great cars and the new 595 Comp is better again.I'd do it.
Interesting. I went from a V6 Q4 Brera to a Panda Twinair Cross.
I didn't miss the Brera, partly because we had a GT86 on the drive (better than any of the Alfas we've owned or driven).
My wife craved more practicality so has swapped the 86 for a Hybrid C-HR.
Hence, I've got a 595 180 Competizione on order to replace the Panda.
I've driven many 500 Abarths. Brilliant. Addictive & so much fun.
You aren't mad. You won't regret it for one minute.
I didn't miss the Brera, partly because we had a GT86 on the drive (better than any of the Alfas we've owned or driven).
My wife craved more practicality so has swapped the 86 for a Hybrid C-HR.
Hence, I've got a 595 180 Competizione on order to replace the Panda.
I've driven many 500 Abarths. Brilliant. Addictive & so much fun.
You aren't mad. You won't regret it for one minute.
Here’s mine: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I still smile every time I get in the car (even for the commute) after 10 months of ownership.
If I was to spec the car from new (mine was a launch edition demonstrator) is spec with the 7” uconnect with CarPlay and the carbon dash. Other than that I think I’ve got the perfect car for B road blasts and city living.
It certainly attracts more attention from supercar owners than it does from the fiesta ST brigade.
I still smile every time I get in the car (even for the commute) after 10 months of ownership.
If I was to spec the car from new (mine was a launch edition demonstrator) is spec with the 7” uconnect with CarPlay and the carbon dash. Other than that I think I’ve got the perfect car for B road blasts and city living.
It certainly attracts more attention from supercar owners than it does from the fiesta ST brigade.
This time last year my wife had a 2013 595 Competizione (160) and I was running a 3.2 Q4 159 Sportswagon. I was hooked on the Abarth as soon as she got it and we’d often end up fighting over the keys in the morning! Although quite underpowered compared to everything I''d owned had for years it had bags of character that was very addictive.
We upgraded the Abarth to the facelift new series 4 Competizione (180) as soon as it launched and I was completely sold on it. The larger turbo has completely transformed the 1.4 T-Jet, a lot more that the extra 20 bhp suggests. First thing I did was sold the Alfa and let the wife choose something she fancied (1 series BMW) so I could have the Abarth, I’ve never looked back.
I would imaging the Brera is more focused than the Sportswagon but that didn’t get anywhere near the fun factor of the Abarth, yes it was quicker, more practical and better on a long run but it never put the grin on my face that the Abarth does everytime I get in it.
Cost wise there's no comparison, a tank of fuel lasts the same time in both cars but the Abarth’s tiny tank takes £30 to fill up compared to the Alfa’s £75. Just got my first tax renewal through, £130 for the year, I've not paid that little since I was a teenager!
We upgraded the Abarth to the facelift new series 4 Competizione (180) as soon as it launched and I was completely sold on it. The larger turbo has completely transformed the 1.4 T-Jet, a lot more that the extra 20 bhp suggests. First thing I did was sold the Alfa and let the wife choose something she fancied (1 series BMW) so I could have the Abarth, I’ve never looked back.
I would imaging the Brera is more focused than the Sportswagon but that didn’t get anywhere near the fun factor of the Abarth, yes it was quicker, more practical and better on a long run but it never put the grin on my face that the Abarth does everytime I get in it.
Cost wise there's no comparison, a tank of fuel lasts the same time in both cars but the Abarth’s tiny tank takes £30 to fill up compared to the Alfa’s £75. Just got my first tax renewal through, £130 for the year, I've not paid that little since I was a teenager!
chrispmartha said:
Thinking of chopping in the Brera for a brand new 595, is it madness? I need something a little more economical but still something that stands out.
I'm an Alfa fan but, forgive me, the Brera's a bit on the lardy side. The 595 is nimble and surprisingly poky and a right hoot.Where do you plan using it? I'd have the 595 stop start round town all day but I'd hang on to the Brera if you are on the motorway half your life.
I did 400 miles in a hit in a 595 and you soon learn that the seats (indeed the ergonomics generally) leave something to be desired. I'm 6'1" and could fit easily into the car but the driving position is too high and the steering wheel ridiculously large.
Peter
The Brera is one of those cars that I love to see on the road - I love that it exists but I would never buy one
A year or so ago when I was looking at what Alfa to replace my 147 with I compared the Brera to a pretty standard Giulietta and the Giulietta made sense in all aspects except looks
That being said I would keep the Brera over the 500. "Small" cars just aren't as nice or as special - especially inside
A year or so ago when I was looking at what Alfa to replace my 147 with I compared the Brera to a pretty standard Giulietta and the Giulietta made sense in all aspects except looks
That being said I would keep the Brera over the 500. "Small" cars just aren't as nice or as special - especially inside
psi310398 said:
chrispmartha said:
Thinking of chopping in the Brera for a brand new 595, is it madness? I need something a little more economical but still something that stands out.
I'm an Alfa fan but, forgive me, the Brera's a bit on the lardy side. The 595 is nimble and surprisingly poky and a right hoot.Where do you plan using it? I'd have the 595 stop start round town all day but I'd hang on to the Brera if you are on the motorway half your life.
I did 400 miles in a hit in a 595 and you soon learn that the seats (indeed the ergonomics generally) leave something to be desired. I'm 6'1" and could fit easily into the car but the driving position is too high and the steering wheel ridiculously large.
Peter
Anyway ive done a deal and i get the 595 in a couple of weeks, im looking forward to driving a fun little car, not paying huge yearly tax and having a DAB radio again
chrispmartha said:
I rarely do any long distances, mostly town driving and short motorway trips which is why im barely getting above double figures MPG, for the performance the fuel economy is dire on the Brera
Anyway ive done a deal and i get the 595 in a couple of weeks, im looking forward to driving a fun little car, not paying huge yearly tax and having a DAB radio again
In those circs, I think you'll enjoy it. Just drive it like you stole it and all will be well!Anyway ive done a deal and i get the 595 in a couple of weeks, im looking forward to driving a fun little car, not paying huge yearly tax and having a DAB radio again
LuS1fer said:
I love the Fiat 500 because it's a timeless classic but I can't help thinking the Abarths are trying too hard and look even more like a girl's car.
An outgoing Fiesta ST200 with 4k off might be better.
The quality of the Abarth far outweighs an ST200. An outgoing Fiesta ST200 with 4k off might be better.
As for a girls car I like that it matches my handbag.... next you’ll be saying all the powerfully built directors on PH in their MX5’s look like hairdressers
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