What makes the Alfa 4C better than an Elise/Exige?

[996GT2]

It seems like there's a lot of hype around the Alfa Romeo 4C, mainly due to the fact that it is a "pure" sports car without some of the bloat that sports cars recently have had in the way of infotainment systems and luxury features. But given the price, what exactly makes the 4C any better than the Lotus Exige which had been around for years?

The US-Spec Alfa 4C weighs 2200 lbs and has 237hp. That weight is over 100 pounds more than what an Exige S 240 weighs, despite the Alfa having a much-hyped Carbon Fiber tub and the Exige having an aluminum one.

Of course this is all speculation without having driven a 4C, but at least on paper, it would seem that the 4C is a side-step at best, not an evolutionary progression from the likes of the Elise/Exige.

 

[halik]

Carbon Fiber, because race car bro.

 

[angminas]

Well, it certainly looks a lot better- the Exige looks like an insect. And my understanding is that the 4C is easier to get in and nicer to be in.

 

[overst33r]

It weighs 2471lbs according to C/D

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-alfa-romeo-4c-vs-2014-porsche-cayman-comparison-test

As far as I can see from the armchair point of view, all it has going for it is the power/weight advantage in acceleration because it does not translate to a signficant dynamic advantage. And the looks of course. Saw one the other day and nearly broke mah neck.

It's unique for sure, but I doubt I would choose it over a C7 or Cayman.

 

[cbrsurfr]

Elise/Exige are no longer sold in the US due to air bag laws and Toyota discontinuing the 2ZZ. Bring them up to current US specs that the Alfa meets and the weight advantage is gone.

I do like the looks of the 4C better.

 

[Kaido]

It weighs 2471lbs according to C/D

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-alfa-romeo-4c-vs-2014-porsche-cayman-comparison-test

As far as I can see from the armchair point of view, all it has going for it is the power/weight advantage in acceleration because it does not translate to a signficant dynamic advantage. And the looks of course. Saw one the other day and nearly broke mah neck.

It's unique for sure, but I doubt I would choose it over a C7 or Cayman.

I've actually seen reviewers complaining about the light weight of the Alfa, especially around really curvy roads.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've actually seen reviewers complaining about the light weight of the Alfa, especially around really curvy roads.

That would be an advantage, especially on tight curvy roads.

 

[Kaido]

That would be an advantage, especially on tight curvy roads.

I don't remember which video it was, but iirc they said it tended to float off corners at high speeds due to the light weight, so you had to be careful that you didn't fly off into a canyon, versus a heavier car that would stay put as you threw it around a curve.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I don't remember which video it was, but iirc they said it tended to float off corners at high speeds due to the light weight, so you had to be careful that you didn't fly off into a canyon, versus a heavier car that would stay put as you threw it around a curve.

That's ridiculous. I've driven a Lotus Elise, which is 400lbs lighter then the Alfa, and that car felt glued to the road. Maybe the aerodynamics are such that it creates lift at high speed but light weight is something you generally want in a sports car.

 

[Viper GTS]

The carbon fiber makes it stiffer than an Elise, the powertrain is much more exotic sounding, and best of all you can actually buy it in the USA.

It basically hits all the 'I'm an exotic' emotional pulls with the price of a C7. I've had semi-serious thoughts about selling to get one, but I like the long-term stability of value in the car I have.

And then this shows up in my RSS and I want to do this all over again:

http://www.petrolicious.com/does-the-alfa-romeo-4c-spider-instill-hope-for-the-driver

Viper GTS

 

[pauldun170]

Advantages of 4c
It's got stats on it side (0-60, speed and all that crap)
It's got a fairly unmuffled powertrain so it sounds lively.
It dual clutch automatic is fairly effective so its popular with the kids.
It's an Alpha so journalist automatically give bonus points because they can start dropping any Italian words they know into the conversation.

The most important part why the 4C is beats the Elise\Exige is that you can actually go to the dealer and buy a 4c. The only place you are going to find a Elise\Exige is on Craigslist. It's out of production.

 

[jlee]

The Alfa also doesn't have an obnoxious power curve (and it actually has torque).

2ZZ-GE with header/exhaust

Alfa 4C with exhaust:

I don't remember which video it was, but iirc they said it tended to float off corners at high speeds due to the light weight, so you had to be careful that you didn't fly off into a canyon, versus a heavier car that would stay put as you threw it around a curve.

Driver error.

 

[SketchMaster]

I'm totally armchairing this, because the closest I've ever been to driving an Elise is the time I tried to fold myself into one and gave up.

Lotus made two awesome metal frame track cars, with a little bit of trim added in to grant some basic creature comforts for general use. The Alfa 4C uses carbon fiber for its frame, and has newer/lighter tech, so it can have a bit more trim loaded into the car and still be in the same weight class. Plus, carbon fiber just looks a lot cooler; IMHO. So overall daily use of the 4C wins out over the Lotus for me.

All things equal? If Lotus updated their cars, and you put the best one next to the 4C, you'd have two really awesome cars. Choosing one would really come down to what car "feels" better to you.

 

[Fenixgoon]

That's ridiculous. I've driven a Lotus Elise, which is 400lbs lighter then the Alfa, and that car felt glued to the road. Maybe the aerodynamics are such that it creates lift at high speed but light weight is something you generally want in a sports car.

yep, if anything it's a downforce problem, not a weight problem. or maybe the suspension.

but in performance categories, less weight is ALWAYS better. that's why it comes with such a high price tag.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The carbon fiber makes it stiffer than an Elise, the powertrain is much more exotic sounding, and best of all you can actually buy it in the USA.

It basically hits all the 'I'm an exotic' emotional pulls with the price of a C7. I've had semi-serious thoughts about selling to get one, but I like the long-term stability of value in the car I have.

And then this shows up in my RSS and I want to do this all over again:

http://www.petrolicious.com/does-the-alfa-romeo-4c-spider-instill-hope-for-the-driver

Viper GTS

Some critics have complained that the 4C lacks luxury. To me, complaining about lack of luxury in a sports car is akin to complaining that a supermodel lacks a mustache.

Best quote ever!!! :biggrin:

 

[JulesMaximus]

The Alfa also doesn't have an obnoxious power curve (and it actually has torque).

2ZZ-GE with header/exhaust

Having driven an Elise I can tell you that the power curve is not obnoxious at all. It is fantastic and fun. When it comes on it is noticeable but it isn't scary or obnoxious. It is wonderful! :biggrin:

Proportionally, the Alfa looks very similar to the Elise. Interior looks very nice. I want one!!!

 

[jlee]

Having driven an Elise I can tell you that the power curve is not obnoxious at all. It is fantastic and fun. When it comes on it is noticeable but it isn't scary or obnoxious. It is wonderful! :biggrin:

Proportionally, the Alfa looks very similar to the Elise. Interior looks very nice. I want one!!!

You have no power 'til 6800rpm, and no torque at all, ever. I'm sure it's a blast to drive, but ~2x the torque in the 4c is going to make it much more responsive.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You have no power 'til 6800rpm, and no torque at all, ever. I'm sure it's a blast to drive, but ~2x the torque in the 4c is going to make it much more responsive.

What you're forgetting is that the Lotus weighs less than 2000lbs. Trust me, it doesn't feel under powered.

 

[jlee]

What you're forgetting is that the Lotus weighs less than 2000lbs. Trust me, it doesn't feel under powered.

The Elise is roughly a 200lbs-lighter MR2 Spyder with a 2ZZ-GE instead of a 1ZZ-FE (basically the same under 6800rpm), so I'm not wholly unfamiliar with lower power / light car.

They are going to drive very differently. One has torque. The other requires you to wind it out. Neither is "bad", but the OP is suggesting that the difference between the cars is lateral, and my opinion is that having twice the torque available is more than just a sidestep.

Then again, I'm spoiled.

 

[JulesMaximus]

The Elise is roughly a 200lbs-lighter MR2 Spyder with a 2ZZ-GE instead of a 1ZZ-FE (basically the same under 6800rpm), so I'm not wholly unfamiliar with lower power / light car.

They are going to drive very differently. One has torque. The other requires you to wind it out. Neither is "bad", but the OP is suggesting that the difference between the cars is lateral, and my opinion is that having twice the torque available is more than just a sidestep.

Then again, I'm spoiled.

I haven't driven an MR2 Spyder so I can't really compare.

I'm sure the Alfa will be a blast. I have to admit... it is tempting me to look into getting one of these.

 

[Imported]

I must be one of the few that thinks the 4C is ugly as sin.

 

[tweakmonkey]

I think both look great. The only Alfa's I've seen were that burgundy color though, not exactly flattering.

The Alfa's got an automatic transmission so it's probably more appealing to wusses and old ladies.


The Alfa's a lot newer than most Elises on the road and it's built with more luxury in mind. It also costs more. The Elise is notoriously tiny and bare bones to be as light as possible.

Low weight is always an advantage in a car unless you're crashed into by a larger car.

BTW, the Evora is a nice alternative. It's a little heavier than the Alfa but very fun to drive.

 

[overst33r]

BTW, the Evora is a nice alternative. It's a little heavier than the Alfa but very fun to drive.

Alfa base is 55k vs Evora is 68k.

Might be out of the budget for some.

 

[tweakmonkey]

I saw two at a dealer and they were stickered at like $70k? Maybe higher. The dealers must be marking them up like mad. Not sure how common they are, but the dealers around here are jacking them up big time.

Sexy looking though:

 

[andylawcc]

A friend of a friend got one, he paid mid 70k otd