I know they're probably financial suicide but god dammit these things give me the horn!
- Thread starter Shad
- Start date
lovely cars,
but it is an Alfa and you will want to slit your wrists after a couple of months of ownership
Delta12(Ex alfa owner)
that said my experiences are with the 156's the 159's share a lot of components with other cars (although its a unique chassis based on the never used gm premium platform (its not the same as the Vectra/saab as many will tell you ) although it does share a lot of commonality with those cars in regards to parts (model dependant)
the 2.4 jtd is a stormer but both the 1.9 and 2l jtd lumps are the same unit you'll find in your vectras and insignias and by no means a bad engine. pick of the bunch is the lovely 3.2 a bit underpowered for what it is and whilst not a "proper" alfa v6 noise its still lovely
facelift in 2008 which made a rake of changes net result it got lighter and a faster.
if I had no common sense and plenty cash spare I would have a 2.4 jtd q4 with some flash mapping, an angry bank manager and a stupid smile
but it is an Alfa and you will want to slit your wrists after a couple of months of ownership
Delta12(Ex alfa owner)
that said my experiences are with the 156's the 159's share a lot of components with other cars (although its a unique chassis based on the never used gm premium platform (its not the same as the Vectra/saab as many will tell you ) although it does share a lot of commonality with those cars in regards to parts (model dependant)
the 2.4 jtd is a stormer but both the 1.9 and 2l jtd lumps are the same unit you'll find in your vectras and insignias and by no means a bad engine. pick of the bunch is the lovely 3.2 a bit underpowered for what it is and whilst not a "proper" alfa v6 noise its still lovely
facelift in 2008 which made a rake of changes net result it got lighter and a faster.
if I had no common sense and plenty cash spare I would have a 2.4 jtd q4 with some flash mapping, an angry bank manager and a stupid smile
Last edited:
That right there is how to live lifean angry bank manager and a stupid smile
Was the 3.2 only offered with the Q4 system? I would have imagined all the extra gubbins would add significant weight and create more things to go wrong.
I had a 147 many years ago. Lovely car but it wasn't short of problems. It hasn't put me off Alfas but it does mean I'd buy another one with my eyes wide open!
- Joined
- 13 Apr 2010
- Posts
- 18,482
- Location
- Sunny Sussex
Tasty
My 147 went from 0 to 100k faultlessly albeit 3 cam belt changes and a taste for drop links
I'd have another like the above tomorrow
My 147 went from 0 to 100k faultlessly albeit 3 cam belt changes and a taste for drop links
I'd have another like the above tomorrow
Soldato
- Joined
- 17 Nov 2005
- Posts
- 3,120
- Location
- Swindon, UK
"I know they're probably financial suicide but god dammit these things give me the horn!"
Escorts do the same! (Do you see what I did there)
Also, we should team up and dial in for a conference call to 'Paul' so we can all ask questions in your best interest to negotiate a deal.
Escorts do the same! (Do you see what I did there)
Also, we should team up and dial in for a conference call to 'Paul' so we can all ask questions in your best interest to negotiate a deal.
nope you can get the 3.2 in fwd as well even then it comes with a none too shabby slip diff.
go on, you know you want too.
I seriously contemplated one of these as a taxi last year (albeit in oil burner form) shares lots of commonality with my current vectras mechanically although they did let the Italians do the electrics and the trim all of which would have failed within a week
DAMN YOU OP, i'm now sitting on pistonheads looking at rubbish Italian cars
even then it comes with a none too shabby slip diff.go on, you know you want too.
I seriously contemplated one of these as a taxi last year (albeit in oil burner form) shares lots of commonality with my current vectras mechanically although they did let the Italians do the electrics and the trim all of which would have failed within a week
DAMN YOU OP, i'm now sitting on pistonheads looking at rubbish Italian cars
If only they made a GTA
Couldn't agree more. Busso 3.2 just puts in the shade Aurally, felt more flexible too. Mind you the 159 is a bit of a porker from what I can remember, might have had something to do with it. I do like the 159 though, design wise it's a looker, and they aren't that badly built either...
Soldato
- Joined
- 11 Dec 2005
- Posts
- 11,364
- Location
- Cheshire
I like 159's such a tasty looking car.
Soldato
- Joined
- 3 Jun 2005
- Posts
- 5,365
- Location
- West Sussex
One of the biggest praises about the 159 in many reviews was how the improvement in build quality was at the heart of the design process.
I love the 2.4 oil burner. In fact I would have it over any other engine in the range with maybe the exception of the V6 and the newer 1750TBi. Although many feel the newer GM based V6 isn't a patch on the one designed by the Ferrari and Alfa engine designer Giuseppe Busso.
I was amazed to find out that when the engine ceased production in 2005, Cosworth were desperate to buy the design and assembly lines but the italian's refused to sell.
Man of Honour
- Joined
- 5 Jun 2003
- Posts
- 91,820
- Location
- Falling...
I personally love Alfas and that's no exception. So completely sympathise with your feelings.