Alfa 147 GTA Q2 Versus Mazda RX8
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Soldato
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I like both. Would go RX8 myself though, just to try the engine. Many more chances to own an Alfa V6 will come along.
What do you need from a car? They are drastically different in their use and approach to motoring. It's not really a choice anyone should ever have to make. If you need the practability of the hatch, you end up forgoing the handling and drivetrain (and potentially the styling if that's your thing, IMO both are butt ugly). If you don't care about practicality or the fact that you need to take out shares in Shell Oils, then you get the more balanced and poised sporty coupé.
There is no logical reason for your shortlist to be two drastically different platforms.
There is no logical reason for your shortlist to be two drastically different platforms.
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Doesn't the RX8 engine need major servicing? tips of the engine? fuel economy for the RX8 is supposed to be poor but compared to the V6 porbably same, I think both will cost a lot to keep on the road, cam belt service on the v6 is a small fortune but the engine is bullet proof, are you talking s/h or new?
Hmmm but its surely cant be as good as the 3.2v6 from the alfa? obviously it wins on handling, but the alfa has torque beyond belief which I think would be nice
It would be my daily driver, doing about 7 miles a day during the week so mpg doesnt really matter, it has to be fast, look nice (imo) and not cost a bomb (mainly to buy and insure).
I was hoping for some insight from owners of these cars.
The reason for picking the two totally different cars is simply, I couldnt see me upgrading to anything else with an insurance premium under £1000 (and I have looked hard!)
Curveball - Alfa 156 GTA (147 + 2 doors + boot, more or less) Owned one for 4 months now (time flies), absolutely lovely to drive, own, and look back at once youve parked it 
Slightly more compliant ride and damping, it felt slightly more planted vs a 147GTA. Probably just down to the longer wheelbase. Extra space at the back, good for 2 6 ft adults.
However there's an argument that the 147 is slightly better built going off a few Alfa GTA forum comments, in terms of interior finish. All marginal of course.
Slightly more compliant ride and damping, it felt slightly more planted vs a 147GTA. Probably just down to the longer wheelbase. Extra space at the back, good for 2 6 ft adults.
However there's an argument that the 147 is slightly better built going off a few Alfa GTA forum comments, in terms of interior finish. All marginal of course.
Soldato
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Theres two different types of RX8, one has 190 and I think the other is 220BHP? I cant remember exactly check Parkers
Earlier models had some reliability issues, they drink oil and also dont like short journys as it floods the engine causing an issue which needs to be fixed by someone who knows what they are doing. Also they are very thristy, quoted 22MPG so realistically I think your looking at mid teens around town
I know thats a bit vauge but its been a while, google will give you more details
Earlier models had some reliability issues, they drink oil and also dont like short journys as it floods the engine causing an issue which needs to be fixed by someone who knows what they are doing. Also they are very thristy, quoted 22MPG so realistically I think your looking at mid teens around town
I know thats a bit vauge but its been a while, google will give you more details
Soldato
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They are similar, they're both said to be mechanically flawed, yet are a hoot to drive and radically styled. This is like "Spec me something fun and quirky, and I don't care if it breaks down." My kind of spec me thread TBH.
@OP, it's not always about power, the ****el is a very unique engine, endless smooth revs. But, it sounds to me like you think you can't decide, yet when someone said RX8 you tried to justify the Alfa. I think you secretly do know what you want...
@OP, it's not always about power, the ****el is a very unique engine, endless smooth revs. But, it sounds to me like you think you can't decide, yet when someone said RX8 you tried to justify the Alfa. I think you secretly do know what you want...
I know looks are massively subjective, but
Are we looking at the same car? lol, I'm looking at the 147 GTA aswell, though might end up being a bit expensive. Having driven neither I can't offer useful advice, but I would take the Alfa personally
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The 156 GTA is a great car I drove one of the first in the country but is in design 5 - 10 years behind the 147, I looked at both models in a smaller engine size but chose the 147, it was more modern, the 156 is a great car and I think you'll find it cheaper to run as there are more about but the 147 is also very good, I owned a baby 147 from delivery miles to 110,000 miles never let me down, fortune to service cam belts at 36k, 8 spark plugs etc but such a rewarding drive, if your after a weekend number and fancy a Alfa V6 have you looked at an Alfetta GTV6 it still be worth all the money you pay for in 10 years where a 147 / 156 will have depreciated
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147 GTA no question. Whilst the RX8 is fantastic handling car, I just didn't get on with it's power delivery or lack of urgency. I'd got for the GTA because I'm an Alfa fan but also because it's rather special.
7 miles a day? Get a pushbike and a Caterham for the weekends!
Not a hope in hell
I must admit my heart says Alfa, but I just cant make up my mind, can anyone compare from experience the feel of acceleration in the two cars? the closest GTA to me is over 100miles which is a shame, I'm thinking of taking a train up to look at one next weekend.Curveball - Alfa 156 GTA (147 + 2 doors + boot, more or less) Owned one for 4 months now (time flies), absolutely lovely to drive, own, and look back at once youve parked it
Slightly more compliant ride and damping, it felt slightly more planted vs a 147GTA. Probably just down to the longer wheelbase. Extra space at the back, good for 2 6 ft adults.
However there's an argument that the 147 is slightly better built going off a few Alfa GTA forum comments, in terms of interior finish. All marginal of course.
The 156 I think is a bit too big plus im not a fan of the looks (compared with the 147, im just not a saloon kinda guy yet)
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
Why? You don't have to pay an empty space tax you know. Nobody is going to fill your car with people just because its a bit bigger.
!q
Have you driven a GTA? did it have a Q2? what did you think?
Haven't looked into the alfetta as it doesnt look as pleasing to the eye as the 147, saying that I had looked into the 156 briefly but it seems less reliable than the 147 and suffers from rust? must have been pre-galvanised alfas.
Thanks for that Freefaller, that swings me a bit more towards the Alfa, part of me just thinks "the Alfa cant handle that bad when it has a Q2" I mean it doesnt have the chassis of a reliant robin! and the steering is supposed to have good feel?
need to drive one really...
I know looks are massively subjective, but
I'm looking at the 147 GTA aswell, though might end up being a bit expensive. Having driven neither I can't offer useful advice, but I would take the Alfa personally
Have you driven a GTA? did it have a Q2? what did you think?
Haven't looked into the alfetta as it doesnt look as pleasing to the eye as the 147, saying that I had looked into the 156 briefly but it seems less reliable than the 147 and suffers from rust? must have been pre-galvanised alfas.
Thanks for that Freefaller, that swings me a bit more towards the Alfa, part of me just thinks "the Alfa cant handle that bad when it has a Q2" I mean it doesnt have the chassis of a reliant robin! and the steering is supposed to have good feel?
need to drive one really...
[TW]Fox;16710930 said:
unnecessary weight for my purposes + I like smaller cars for visibility and parking etc
Plus I often pass double deckers on the way to and from work on narrow B roads, quite regularly glad of having a small narrow car
So you cant park? Hmmmm.
Weight:
156 GTA: 1410kg
147 GTA: 1360kg
You want a narrow car? Width..
156 GTA: 1745mm
147 GTA: 1764mm
So, as we can see, the 156 weighs only 50kg more than the 147, which is of course nothing.
It is also NARROWER than the 147. This is what happens when you make silly woman style assumptions about things - you miss the facts.
So, a 156 GTA then?
Weight:
156 GTA: 1410kg
147 GTA: 1360kg
You want a narrow car? Width..
156 GTA: 1745mm
147 GTA: 1764mm
So, as we can see, the 156 weighs only 50kg more than the 147, which is of course nothing.
It is also NARROWER than the 147. This is what happens when you make silly woman style assumptions about things - you miss the facts.
So, a 156 GTA then?