The Alfa Romeo Giulia versus Anything else...
Ranting and comparing the new offering from ALfa
This is my first post on the tribe and I find it fitting because it's sort of the inspiration. I ran into this car literally a few days ago and I looked up the specs on it and what they're offering versus what they're charging was perplexing. The "off the lot" price for what is essentially their base model is between $48 and $50,000. Other models at this price point include the Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz C class, the Infiniti Q 50, the BMW three series, some BMW five series, The Lexus GS, and the Acura RDX. The posted 0 to 60 speed comes in at 5.1 seconds which is undeniably quick but ultimately par for the course in that class range and at that price point. The car comes equipped with a 2 L turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine producing about 280 hp. The car has some pick up but once again this is really nothing that differentiates it from any other car in that particular class. If you're looking at bang for your buck and comparing apples to apples let's put it up against the Infiniti Q 50.
Photo Credit: Car and Driver
Around the same price point you can get their 3 L turbocharged engine which has two extra cylinders! This car clocks in around 300 hp and has a stated 0 to 60 speed of 5.4 seconds. It's a better looking car and the features and interior rival some upper level Mercedes. Not to mention cup holders.
Giulia Interior. Photo Credit: Car and Driver
Q 50 Interior. Photo Credit:Motor Trend
In this class buyers aren't incredibly interested in the fastest car, it's a statement and something that they enjoy being behind the wheel. Alfa Romeo has always been an iconic brand tied to a racing pedigree and creating vehicles that are visually stunning both inside and out. With this release they really miss the mark. The car itself is a little boring and really unremarkable when it comes down to it. As far as the interior, the new Mazda 6 is better appointed then the Giulia. I can't speak for the drive feel or the handling because I have not specifically driven the Alfa, but from the perspective of an outsider looking at exactly what they are offering it's not where I want to spend my money. When you're considering spending $50,000 on a car, that opens you up to so many different options. Effectively every car mentioned in the list above is attractive on the outside and, excepting maybe the Audi A4, an incredibly stunning interior that is designed to put you in what feels like the lap of luxury. This isn't to say that I don't like the A4 but Audi as a whole has always been incredibly minimalistic with their designs in their entry-level models. All of these vehicles are going to offer a 0 to 60 speed of at or under six seconds and greater than 250 hp. Now, I have personally driven the Infiniti and can say that it is an absolute joy to drive and six-cylinder turbo engine sounds incredible on acceleration. The vehicle is spacious and equipped with 2 touch screens controlling practically everything in the car. Not to mention a control knob option as well. Honda's Acura line has always performed incredibly well and even in four-cylinder models has been able to develop incredible amount of torque and handling that most sport models would envy. I feel like Alfa has a miss the with this. You're buying a name, but it doesn't have the feeling that it needs to back it up, It's almost like buying a Lincoln, you know you're getting a really expensive Ford and you can't quite separate the two brands. There's nothing to differentiate them except the badge on the front. I'm sorry Alfa, try again.
Alfa Romeo has always been an iconic brand tied to a racing pedigree and creating vehicles that are visually stunning both inside and out. With this release they really miss the mark. The car itself is a little boring and really unremarkable when it comes down to it. As far as the interior, the new Mazda 6 is better appointed then the Giulia. I can't speak for the drive feel or the handling because I have not specifically driven the Alfa, but from the perspective of an outsider looking at exactly what they are offering it's not what I want to spend my money. When you're considering spending $50,000 on a car, that opens you up to so many different options. Effectively, every car mentioned in the list above is attractive on the outside and, excepting maybe the Audi A4, an incredibly stunning interior that is designed to put you in what feels like the lap of luxury. This isn't to say that I don't like the A4 but Audi as a whole has always been incredibly minimalistic with their designs in their entry-level models. All of these vehicles are going to offer a 0 to 60 speed of at or under six seconds and greater than 250 hp. Now, I have personally driven the infinity and can say that it is an absolute joy to drive and six-cylinder turbo engine sounds incredible on acceleration. Honda's Acura line has always performed incredibly well and even in four-cylinder models has been able to develop incredible amount of torque and handling that most sport models would envy. I feel like Alfa has a miss the with this. You're buying a name, but it doesn't have the feeling that it needs to back it up. It's almost like buying a Lincoln, you know you're getting a really expensive Ford and you can't quite separate the two brands. There's nothing to differentiate them except the badge on the front. I suppose it comes down to your buying decision, but I feel as if it has a ways to go before being described as class leading.
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Comments (4)
Drive the car, then try to write something have sense.
Welcome to Drivetribe David!
Alan Idov is correct. An Infiniti or a Honda over a BMW killer? Alfa just created a car that beat the Porsche Panamera in the ring. And never driving it? DT should delete this article.
Article is rubbish. Critical of a car you have not driven? Makes about as much sense, as doing restaurant review after looking at a menu. The drive by wire steering on the Q50 has been written about extensively, and not in a good way. The Audi has a great interior, boring exterior. Mazda? Lovely "wave design" on the side that makes me seasick just looking at it. Drive the Alfa, make sure it's a Ti with the 19" wheel option (seats, etc) and the Ti performance option. Take it on a nice twisty road and then report back. I think you'll be pleasantly amazed.