Alfa Romeo 4C

Uhm, no its not. Lets look at the similarities shall we:
'k, let's...

They both are amazing to look at.
So's an Aventador; doesn't make it similar to either this or an E-Type.

Both two seater sports cars.
Whilst it arguably tried to play both rolls, the E-Type was much more grand tourer than sports car. The fact that it employs a traditional front-engined, rear-wheel driven layout as opposed to the 4C's mid-engined configuration further separate the two. The BMW Z4 is much closer to being a modern counterpart to the E-Type.

Both fking quick for their time.
...but for different reasons. The E-Type was borne out of Jaguar's efforts in the LeMans 24 hour race - a race that took place on a track known for its 6km long straight more than anything else. The E-Type was always going to be fast in a straight line. The 4C, in contrast, is quick as a result of a focus on light weight and handling prowess. Its speed is a consequence, not a goal.

The 4C has a better power to weight ratio than the porsche cayman, and yet costs R200k Less. So good value as well, just like the E type when it was new.
Sure - two rather different cars offering impressive value for money in their respective times.
 
Very nice looking car. I might need to revise my budget upwards after seeing this...:o Beautiful from every angle...

alfa-romeo-4c2.jpg
 
'k, let's...


So's an Aventador; doesn't make it similar to either this or an E-Type.


Whilst it arguably tried to play both rolls, the E-Type was much more grand tourer than sports car. The fact that it employs a traditional front-engined, rear-wheel driven layout as opposed to the 4C's mid-engined configuration further separate the two. The BMW Z4 is much closer to being a modern counterpart to the E-Type.


...but for different reasons. The E-Type was borne out of Jaguar's efforts in the LeMans 24 hour race - a race that took place on a track known for its 6km long straight more than anything else. The E-Type was always going to be fast in a straight line. The 4C, in contrast, is quick as a result of a focus on light weight and handling prowess. Its speed is a consequence, not a goal.


Sure - two rather different cars offering impressive value for money in their respective times.

You took a simple simile such as "Its like the modern version of the Jag E -type," and then wildly start quoting Le mans, BMW Z4's, and Aventador's, that you loose track of what the original argument was even about. The 4C is like the modern day version of the E type. Sure, you get cars that resemble an E type more, but the character and charisma of the E Type is best translated into this Alfa Romeo. If you watched Jeremy Clarkson's special on the E type, you would know what I mean.

This car holds the same appeal as the E type, which to me is far more important than where the engine is located, and whether or not it was set up for sportiness or cruising around. I still want one of these as badly as I want my next breath, and for the same reasons I would have wanted the E type when it first came out.
 
Last edited:
Gees, you took a simple simile such as "Its like the modern version of the Jag E -type," and then wildly start quoting Le mans, BMW Z4's, and Aventador's, that you loose track of what the original argument was even about. The 4C is like the modern day version of the E type. Sure, you get cars that resemble an E type more, but the character and charisma of the E Type is best translated into this Alfa Romeo. If you watched Jeremy Clarkson's special on the E type, you would know what I mean.

This car holds the same appeal as the E type, which to me is far more important than where the engine is located, and whether or not it was set up for sportiness or cruising around. I still want one of these as badly as I want my next breath, and for the same reasons I would have wanted the E type when it first came out.

You might want to double-check the meaning of the word 'simile' - I think you'll find there's a certain bit of irony in the dictionary definition. :D

Regardless, I still don't see any grounds to draw parallels between the two beyond the fact that both have 4 wheels. They don't have remotely the same character to my eyes at all. In fact, a cursory google shows you might be the first person <clarkson> IN THE WORLD </clarkson> to draw the comparison. Make of that what you will.

Let's just agree that it's a stunning little car that no sane person would mind parking in their garage.
 
Its like the modern version of the Jag E -type.

Kuk. Looks nothing like a E-Type and I love E-Types. E-Type is the last thing that comes to mind when I see this car.


Very nice looking car. I might need to revise my budget upwards after seeing this...:o Beautiful from every angle...

Best you get your order in then as they are only making 2500 a year which I suspect will push the price up even further.
 
Kuk. Looks nothing like a E-Type and I love E-Types. E-Type is the last thing that comes to mind when I see this car.

I didn't say it looks like it, maybe your comprehension skills need a slight tweak. But to my mind, its core value's mirror that of the E type. (that no other car since has managed to achieve)

Regardless, I still don't see any grounds to draw parallels between the two beyond the fact that both have 4 wheels. They don't have remotely the same character to my eyes at all. In fact, a cursory google shows you might be the first person <clarkson> IN THE WORLD </clarkson> to draw the comparison. Make of that what you will.

Let's just agree that it's a stunning little car that no sane person would mind parking in their garage.

Maybe I am the first person to draw this comparison, and it is just my opinion to draw as I like. I tend to come up with strange opinions from time to time. Although any one who doesn't agree with me is obviously wrong :p :D I do agree that this car is stunning though. Wouldn't mind five of them.
 
Last edited:
If it's ever introduced locally, and it devalues as Alfas historically have done... a two-year old 4C could prove to be an enthusiast's bargain.
 
I will sue you. And win. While representing myself.

You have been warned...

Haha! :D Preparing my papers now!

If it's ever introduced locally, and it devalues as Alfas historically have done... a two-year old 4C could prove to be an enthusiast's bargain.

When I researched my purchase of the Giulietta, I remember some study in 2011 on car devaluation after a year and the Alfa Mito ranked third or so, retaining 78% of its value.

Can't find that original article but here's a related one:

http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/resale-values-we-name-best-and-worst-1.1017906

As you can see, the new generation Alfa (the Mito) is up there in retaining its value. Here's a quote from that article:

In many cases the perceptions are right on the mark, but not always. Would it surprise you to hear, for instance, that there are certain Alfa Romeos and Renaults that have better resale values than certain Toyotas? Scandalous, you might shout ... unthinkable! But true, according to the TransUnion Auto Dealers’ Guide, that little book car dealers always flip through before gravely pronouncing what trade-in they’ll offer on your used car.
 
...

As you can see, the new generation Alfa (the Mito) is up there in retaining its value.

...

You need to keep a few things in mind. One is that I am obviously being facetious. Another is that the TransUnion guide, in many instances, isn't worth the paper it's printed on. When dealing with cars outside of the mainstream dealers treat that little book as a guideline at best, and a paperweight at worst. When requesting valuations many dealers will hear 'Renault', 'Alfa', 'Citroen' and the like, and immediately respond with something along the lines of 'R30k below book...' By and large, if it ain't a popular VW or Toyota, it's going to do comparatively poorly come trade-in time.

Of course using value retention as a primary consideration when buying a car is just a little sad, but that's a different discussion.

This Alfa might buck the trend a wee bit if it manages to combine exclusivity with quality and decent dynamics. Looking at it, it just might...
 
You need to keep a few things in mind. One is that I am obviously being facetious. Another is that the TransUnion guide, in many instances, isn't worth the paper it's printed on. When dealing with cars outside of the mainstream dealers treat that little book as a guideline at best, and a paperweight at worst. When requesting valuations many dealers will hear 'Renault', 'Alfa', 'Citroen' and the like, and immediately respond with something along the lines of 'R30k below book...' By and large, if it ain't a popular VW or Toyota, it's going to do comparatively poorly come trade-in time.

Of course using value retention as a primary consideration when buying a car is just a little sad, but that's a different discussion.

This Alfa might buck the trend a wee bit if it manages to combine exclusivity with quality and decent dynamics. Looking at it, it just might...

I hear you 100% and agree that dealers opinions on resale value of cars depends on how quickly they move off the showroom, irrespective of book value.

I never said that I used value retention as a primary consideration when buying my car (or even a secondary consideration), just that I came across the study when researching my car. That research included performance and safety compared against its peers, amongst other things.

In any event, I'll be sure to be first in line for a test drive of this baby when it lands!
 
...

I never said that I used value retention as a primary consideration when buying my car (or even a secondary consideration), just that I came across the study when researching my car. That research included performance and safety compared against its peers, amongst other things.

You bought an Alfa, so clearly you didn't. :D I didn't intend my statement as an indictment of your own actions; I drive a Citroën so doing so would perhaps be just a mite hypocritical.
 
You bought an Alfa, so clearly you didn't. :D I didn't intend my statement as an indictment of your own actions; I drive a Citroën so doing so would perhaps be just a mite hypocritical.

LOL! :D

I was "this" close to buying the Honda CRZ but then I test drove the Giulietta...and fell in love. I had to do the research to justify my feelings :D
 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X