FR-S vs. Alfa Spyder

[Jond63]

Anyone have any experience with the Spyder? I saw one last night in traffic that looked like it just came from the showroom and it reminded me of a friend who loved them but hated the reliability. Suggestions of buying a Miata would not even be entertained, but I am curious how sublime it drives compared to either FR-S or Miata.

[Rampage]

Do you mean that you saw a Alfa Romeo Spyder that was actually running?

The FR-S will be hands down more reliable, more comfortable, better handling, faster, etc etc. There is no comparing 1990 tech to 2013 tech.

If you buy one strictly as a toy, project, investment or simply nostalgia then maybe but for everything else the comparison is not even close.

[Jond63]

That's pretty much what I thought even back then -- my friend really is missing out by refusing a Japanese car experience.

And yes, it was running!!!

[Shark_Bait88]

I'm working on a 1980s Alfa Spyder LeMons project car. It's going to be a lot of fun, but I'd take my FR-S over it.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by Rampage

There is no comparing 1990 tech to 2013 tech.

Highly debatable, depending on the cars being compared.

[bcj]

The motors and suspension were top notch. The only problem with all the Italian cars were electronics and body rust.

Aluminum twin cam engines with timing *chains* rather than belts like the Fiats.
My '64 GTV 2 liter had mechanical fuel injection and was one of the favorite cars I've had.
Drove it for 7 years and it didn't deteriorate significantly over that time. Cosmetic rust only.
Had to sand the mechanical ignition points every month or so to keep it running right though.

The 86 matches it so closely in driving experience it would be hard to tell the difference other than the clutch operation.
The Alfa wore my leg out. I like the 86 clutch much better.

Also you've got no credit as a petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo

edit: I don't care for rag tops mostly because of the rag aspect and rain up here in Seatte.
I've driven a '66 spider, a '58 Giulietta spider and a 2600 straight six spider.
The 1250, 1650 and 1750 motors and driving are just as good. The 6C was monster.

[NWFRS]

I think an old Italian car will always be more fun.

The trick is to find one that's already been restored. Without rust. And don't drive it in the rain. Or the snow. Or the wind. Seriously, they will pretty much dissolve around you if you drive them in the rain. :-(

[Levi]

No car has more soul than an Alfa Romeo, not even Ferrari. But the GT86 is the better car now. Might be different once the new Spider based on MX-5 is out.

[dem00n]

You could pick up a nice spider for pretty cheap...this is an odd comparison.

I'd get one as a project car.

But any car is a project car at one point...

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Jond63

Anyone have any experience with the Spyder? I saw one last night in traffic that looked like it just came from the showroom and it reminded me of a friend who loved them but hated the reliability. Suggestions of buying a Miata would not even be entertained, but I am curious how sublime it drives compared to either FR-S or Miata.

Originally Posted by Jond63

That's pretty much what I thought even back then -- my friend really is missing out by refusing a Japanese car experience.

And yes, it was running!!!

hmmm...

[blackhawkdown]

you can't compare the twins to something over a decade old. compare it to the new alfa.

[Turbowned]

If it's strictly a weekend car, an old classic can be more fun than a new car with less character. However if you need to depend on it to get you places, the new car is the obvious choice. I've been thinking of getting a Fiat Spider or something like it for a toy:

[mike the snake]

I had an Alpha Spyder. Continuously blew head gaskets, and was pretty much a bucket of bolts.

Cruising down the freeway it was nice and smooth, everywhere else it was terrible.

I'd venture to say Lancias might have more soul, or souls, because there's probably just as many in heaven lol.

[Embarrassed]

Originally Posted by Rampage

There is no comparing 1990 tech...

LOL, You got that right. The best Alfa ever got was some late 80's tech, and that only if you look at the fuel injection on the 90's models. For the most part, they are the best 1960's technology you can buy.


There is no way to compare it to the twins. By every measure the difference is huge. However, if you are looking a 1960's feeling Sunday tootle-mobile the Alfa is a great choice. Get a 73 or 74 and pay a premium for a well loved one (about 7-8k). Most of the loved ones are actually fairly reliable.


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