Alpine A110 Pure or S???
Discussion
I have a GT which is the softer Pure suspension with the extra 50 bhp of the S and also with "comfort" adjustable seats rather than the fixed back buckets of the Pure and the S.
The ride/handling balance of the GT/Pure is amazing, it can be supercar quick in fast road driving but is the most comfortable car we own with a far better ride than my Fiesta ST mk8 and a bit better than my wife's Mini Countryman.
I've not driven an S but most reviews suggest it is significantly firmer which is only really of benefit if you plan some track use.
The ride/handling balance of the GT/Pure is amazing, it can be supercar quick in fast road driving but is the most comfortable car we own with a far better ride than my Fiesta ST mk8 and a bit better than my wife's Mini Countryman.
I've not driven an S but most reviews suggest it is significantly firmer which is only really of benefit if you plan some track use.
chris bayliss said:
I m thinking of an Alpine A110 and interested in owners opinions of the difference between the standard Pure or the S version.
Has anyone driven both and can share their opinion?
Pure - standard suspensionHas anyone driven both and can share their opinion?
GT - standard suspension + power upgrade (comfort seats)
S - sports suspension + power upgrade
GTS - sports suspension + power upgrade (comfort seats)
The Pure and GT have the standard suspension which is compliant, breathes with the road and lends the Alpine with its unique and widely lauded dynamics.
The S and GTS ride lower, have stiffer springs and ARBs. This set up controls body roll better but is less compliant more akin to modern contemporaries.
There is no wrong or right answer. Which is right for you depends on your personal preferences as to the way a car rides and goes down the road. If the roads in your part of the world are poorly surfaces and you like a car that breathes with the road then the standard setup will probably suit better. If you intend to do a lot of track work, don’t mind the loss in compliance or live somewhere with smooth roads, then perhaps the S.
I’d get out there and read/watch the many reviews of both models in the motoring media and then get a test drive - ideally of both.
You can also buy a standard car and then tinker with it later. There are many suspension mods developed by the likes of David Pook at Life110 etc to suit all tastes/use cases.
Pure owner here. I can appreciate why some would prefer the S if they like to do trackdays or push it on the road, but for the way I use mine, much more road trips, enjoying a relatively fast sporty car but not driving on the doorhandles everywhere I really appreciate the compliant set up that, as others have said, breaths with the road and completely avoids the bone hard and brittle ride lots of German cars are set up with.
Power wise, mines the 250bhp version and I've never found it lacking. 250 hp per tonne is 911 turbo territory from about the 996 generation. Plenty fast enough for everyday driving.
Power wise, mines the 250bhp version and I've never found it lacking. 250 hp per tonne is 911 turbo territory from about the 996 generation. Plenty fast enough for everyday driving.
As AMRicardo says 'there is no right or wrong answer'.
I've had my S since 2022 and have been a regular visitor to Spires/Life110 and Wortec, each mod tailoring the car to my personal preferences. The car has been lowered slightly and has AST adjustable coilovers dialled down to a softer ride to reflect a reduction of 5-6kg of unsprung weight on each corner. I'd say it is now somewhere between a GT/Pure and an S in terms of ride, which is exactly where I wanted to be. However, if I was going to buy an A110 and leave it in stock form I think I'd go for a GT.
I think the first question you need to ask yourself is 'am I going to tweak the car or will I leave it in its stock form?' because if you plan to tweak it you can in theory start with any A110 and mod it in the direction you feel is right for you.
I've had my S since 2022 and have been a regular visitor to Spires/Life110 and Wortec, each mod tailoring the car to my personal preferences. The car has been lowered slightly and has AST adjustable coilovers dialled down to a softer ride to reflect a reduction of 5-6kg of unsprung weight on each corner. I'd say it is now somewhere between a GT/Pure and an S in terms of ride, which is exactly where I wanted to be. However, if I was going to buy an A110 and leave it in stock form I think I'd go for a GT.
I think the first question you need to ask yourself is 'am I going to tweak the car or will I leave it in its stock form?' because if you plan to tweak it you can in theory start with any A110 and mod it in the direction you feel is right for you.
Here’s my two penneth…
I owned an S for 4 years from 2020 and it was great to start with as I’d come from an Elise and Exige previously. However towards the end of my ownership I was finding the suspension a little too hard for our crap roads (I don’t track my cars) so I decided to trade it in for a GT. Same power but softer suspension and comfort seats (although I think the buckets are more comfortable, but the wife likes the heated seats). I’m almost two years into owning this one and have no regrets, for me it handles just as well but with a little more suppleness and comfort, no regrets.
I owned an S for 4 years from 2020 and it was great to start with as I’d come from an Elise and Exige previously. However towards the end of my ownership I was finding the suspension a little too hard for our crap roads (I don’t track my cars) so I decided to trade it in for a GT. Same power but softer suspension and comfort seats (although I think the buckets are more comfortable, but the wife likes the heated seats). I’m almost two years into owning this one and have no regrets, for me it handles just as well but with a little more suppleness and comfort, no regrets.
Disclaimer: I've not owned an S for very long and have not had much experience of the Pure. I am sure I would prefer the Pure suspension as I am not a big racer, but I think it depends how you love your car. For me, I was sure I'd prefer a Pure, but as soon as I saw the Tour De Corse 75 (which is an S model more or less) there was no going back.
I've not found the ride any worse than my old Lexus RCF, lol. Alpine's are low cars, expect to feel the road, but I certainly don't feel like I am being banged around at all. I feel like it being a light car at high speeds is the part that has taken far more getting used to compared to other cars, rather than a stiffer suspension. If you're not coming from another light car, this may be something to pay attention to in your test drives. In the end, I cared more for the looks and the beautiful alcantara interior more than the ideal suspension type, suspecting that I was unlikely to notice a huge enough difference as a non-typical petrolhead. I preferred to have a more unique looking Alpine.
But, this is different for everyone. Especially the condition of the roads in your area matters - I mean if you have a long bumpy drive you may think it much more important to get suitable suspension for your needs.
My summary is; we obviously often have an ideal spec in mind, but sometimes it's the day, the car you see, the colour and how well kept it is, on top of the specs, that makes it the one for you - especially when buying used! You rarely find the car with everything checked, but you need to make sure the "I love this car" box is checked as a priority! Either way, I don't think the S is unlivable if you see one you love.
I've not found the ride any worse than my old Lexus RCF, lol. Alpine's are low cars, expect to feel the road, but I certainly don't feel like I am being banged around at all. I feel like it being a light car at high speeds is the part that has taken far more getting used to compared to other cars, rather than a stiffer suspension. If you're not coming from another light car, this may be something to pay attention to in your test drives. In the end, I cared more for the looks and the beautiful alcantara interior more than the ideal suspension type, suspecting that I was unlikely to notice a huge enough difference as a non-typical petrolhead. I preferred to have a more unique looking Alpine.
But, this is different for everyone. Especially the condition of the roads in your area matters - I mean if you have a long bumpy drive you may think it much more important to get suitable suspension for your needs.
My summary is; we obviously often have an ideal spec in mind, but sometimes it's the day, the car you see, the colour and how well kept it is, on top of the specs, that makes it the one for you - especially when buying used! You rarely find the car with everything checked, but you need to make sure the "I love this car" box is checked as a priority! Either way, I don't think the S is unlivable if you see one you love.
Edited by SiddleKate on Wednesday 21st January 18:58
Edited by SiddleKate on Wednesday 21st January 19:00
Thanks Kate - I will be arranging a 2hr test-drive of an 'S' in the next week or two. I haven't driven an Alpine yet and am intrigued by all the rave reviews across the board. I currently have a 911 C4S (997). It's a lovely car but the Alpine is so unique I need to try it out. I'll try and test-drive a 'Pure' too. If the cars are good as I'm hoping, I'll buy one in the next couple of months. 
Congrats on your purchase! Lovely car and definitely a head-turner.
Congrats on your purchase! Lovely car and definitely a head-turner.
SiddleKate said:
Disclaimer: I've not owned an S for very long and have not had much experience of the Pure. I am sure I would prefer the Pure suspension as I am not a big racer, but I think it depends how you love your car. For me, I was sure I'd prefer a Pure, but as soon as I saw the Tour De Corse 75 (which is an S model more or less) there was no going back.
I've not found the ride any worse than my old Lexus RCF, lol. Alpine's are low cars, expect to feel the road, but I certainly don't feel like I am being banged around at all. I feel like it being a light car at high speeds is the part that has taken far more getting used to compared to other cars, rather than a stiffer suspension. If you're not coming from another light car, this may be something to pay attention to in your test drives. In the end, I cared more for the looks and the beautiful alcantara interior more than the ideal suspension type, suspecting that I was unlikely to notice a huge enough difference as a non-typical petrolhead. I preferred to have a more unique looking Alpine.
But, this is different for everyone. Especially the condition of the roads in your area matters - I mean if you have a long bumpy drive you may think it much more important to get suitable suspension for your needs.
My summary is; we obviously often have an ideal spec in mind, but sometimes it's the day, the car you see, the colour and how well kept it is, on top of the specs, that makes it the one for you - especially when buying used! You rarely find the car with everything checked, but you need to make sure the "I love this car" box is checked as a priority! Either way, I don't think the S is unlivable if you see one you love.
I've not found the ride any worse than my old Lexus RCF, lol. Alpine's are low cars, expect to feel the road, but I certainly don't feel like I am being banged around at all. I feel like it being a light car at high speeds is the part that has taken far more getting used to compared to other cars, rather than a stiffer suspension. If you're not coming from another light car, this may be something to pay attention to in your test drives. In the end, I cared more for the looks and the beautiful alcantara interior more than the ideal suspension type, suspecting that I was unlikely to notice a huge enough difference as a non-typical petrolhead. I preferred to have a more unique looking Alpine.
But, this is different for everyone. Especially the condition of the roads in your area matters - I mean if you have a long bumpy drive you may think it much more important to get suitable suspension for your needs.
My summary is; we obviously often have an ideal spec in mind, but sometimes it's the day, the car you see, the colour and how well kept it is, on top of the specs, that makes it the one for you - especially when buying used! You rarely find the car with everything checked, but you need to make sure the "I love this car" box is checked as a priority! Either way, I don't think the S is unlivable if you see one you love.
Edited by SiddleKate on Wednesday 21st January 18:58
Edited by SiddleKate on Wednesday 21st January 19:00
I bought an S as I prefer a stiffer set-up, previous cars being a Tuscan on Nitrons and a Sports Pack Vantage 4.7.
The S was too compromised for me as standard, it was not too firm just did not feel fully resolved.
Initially went with the Life110 springs and standard dampers, definite improvement in ride comfort but served only to expose the weakness of the standard dampers.
Then went AST coilovers, set-up by Spires and its totally brilliant, lovely ride comfort, brilliant body control, just about perfect for me and the kind of driving I do
The S was too compromised for me as standard, it was not too firm just did not feel fully resolved.
Initially went with the Life110 springs and standard dampers, definite improvement in ride comfort but served only to expose the weakness of the standard dampers.
Then went AST coilovers, set-up by Spires and its totally brilliant, lovely ride comfort, brilliant body control, just about perfect for me and the kind of driving I do
Andy665 said:
I bought an S as I prefer a stiffer set-up, previous cars being a Tuscan on Nitrons and a Sports Pack Vantage 4.7.
The S was too compromised for me as standard, it was not too firm just did not feel fully resolved.
Initially went with the Life110 springs and standard dampers, definite improvement in ride comfort but served only to expose the weakness of the standard dampers.
Then went AST coilovers, set-up by Spires and its totally brilliant, lovely ride comfort, brilliant body control, just about perfect for me and the kind of driving I do
Ditto Andy. I went the same route and with the coilovers slackened off a little I think it's now spot-on.The S was too compromised for me as standard, it was not too firm just did not feel fully resolved.
Initially went with the Life110 springs and standard dampers, definite improvement in ride comfort but served only to expose the weakness of the standard dampers.
Then went AST coilovers, set-up by Spires and its totally brilliant, lovely ride comfort, brilliant body control, just about perfect for me and the kind of driving I do
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