Triumph TR6 vs. Alfa Romeo Spider: Behind the Wheel

The Alfa Romeo Spider and Triumph TR6 competed against each other in the early ‘70s, but which one should you buy today to add to your collection?
1971 Alfa Romeo Spider:
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1969 Triumph TR6:
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[@ClassicMotorsports]

Which would you choose, Alfa Romeo Spider or the Triumph TR6?

[@Fioravanti.80]

Alfa, without a shadow of a doubt, for all the reasons touched on here.

[@tarteampion8039]

TR6 anytime.

[@bryanheidtman2476]

I'll take my MGB with the GM V6 FI conversion

[@trevor5929]

Can I buy that Alfa please!!!

[@robharris9547]

tough call. Alfa probably

[@jonpitt8504]

I remember driving both of these when I was a teenager. Loved them both. But to do a fair comparison you really have to get a couple of slim guys who won't judge them by how much room there is in the cockpit, and whether they can get their feet round the pedals. Btw, the video could have done with a bit of sound to show the difference in engine noise. Otherwise, great :)

[@bb57365]

The TR6 was and still is one of the best looking ever. These were always two of my favorites.

[@Safari3601]

I own both. A TR6 is truly the last of the Hairy Chested Sports Cars. Does not have the refinements of the Alfa but has the torque of a tractor, it is really a beast when the suspension is tight, it smells and squeaks and makes all sort of strange noises, what a great car, a days driving will make you feel like you lost a bar fight. The Spider reminds me most of my MGA, more refined. I love all 3 for different reasons. MY Spider is a 91 with AC so it is not apples to apples. I was a co-drive in a Spider in a rally in the Dolomites which is what drove me to purchase one. You will enjoy both.

[@leemorris2127]

Your bar fight analogy was great. Had a TR-6 in university, drove it straight through to Florida from Montreal. I know what you mean. Loved the car.

[@dickjohnson5025]

@@leemorris2127 Damn, that’s one hell of a haul in TR6. An old benz would be a better choice, lol

[@leemorris2127]

'...a days driving will make you feel like you lost a bar fight.' Now that is a great line. I owned a TR6 for four years in the late '70's and I can relate.

[@RetroSkier]

Great Comparison ! Having owned Alfa’s and owning a Triumph for nearly 50 years you missed the Parts availability equation. I gave up owning a beautiful 164LS and Milano Verde because parts were becoming nearly impossible to find. On the other hand, decided to keep my Triumph because of the ease of working on it, incredibly availability of parts, and conversion options as mentioned with the transmission, of the Triumph’s Both Great Cars, but for long term ownership and maintenance, the Triumph is a clear winner 🥇

[@vcom2327]

I owned both of these cars. I am 6ft 2 and of normal weight. I did not find them "narrow or tight" at all. These corpulent test drivers need to lose weight,!!!

[@stevepearce6689]

I didn't say that........

[@JSDesign.Hongkong]

“I have ... a normal-sized torso.” Uh, no ... you don’t. Not at all.

[@jeffk2278]

I found it interesting that both the drivers immediately commented on the narrowness of the TR-6. There is some validity to that comment, but on the other hand, both the drivers are extra wide so of course it's going to feel narrow to them. I had a TR-6. I"m 6'4", weigh about 200 lbs, and felt plenty comfortable in the TR.

[@mikegalvin9801]

My friend had a 72 TR6 and at 6'0" I found it quite comfy although of course at 18 I weighed maybe 140 back then.😊 We lived in Colorado and boy was it great for two lane mountain roads.

[@TheKillWizard]

Alfa hands down. The Alfa is like aging supermodel that still has it going on, the TR6 is like an old model with an eating disorder in a dark bar then the lights go on :-p and there is nothing going on.

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

ALFA!

[@frankhoward7645]

Really fun video to watch. There is yet another obvious advantage to the Alfa that was overlooked. The top. One of the best vs. one of the worst.

[@brettneuberger6466]

Both great cars, but I’d definitely go with the Spider. I’m 55 and both cars bring back great memories. As I was turning 16 and looking to buy my first car, my older brother was driving a 74 TR6. My dad had a 74 911 2.7 Carrera Targa. (Very rare car...just 1 of 234 in the US I believe). He’d pay half toward our first cars and I really wanted to join the open air club and had fallen in love in the Alfa Romeo. Problem though...I was well short of cash. Having always been an eat the marshmallow in front of me kinda kid, I ended up settling for a car I could afford at the time and bought a high mileage 1971 Opel GT. Let’s just say, I learned a lesson. You inspired me to perhaps start looking again.

[@camillocarta718]

alfa romeo for ever......n1

[@jimlewis6743]

I love that the guy has chosen to own these two particular cars. And, that he wants an objective review from others. But wait! The TR has a 5 speed from a Toyota Supra? What kind of comparison are we talking about here? The Alfa to a restomod TR 6? The really funny thing was their going on about the narrowness of the Triumph, to the roominess of the Alfa. Come on! Do the British need any more ammunition about how fat we Americans are?! I'm an old fat American who had a 69 Alfa spider when I was a skinny 19 year old. I have a 69 Alfa spider today and I'm ok with that. I don't think I would fit comfortably in a TR 6 today. But, that's not the TR6's fault!

[@davidpeters6536]

If you weren't 150 lbs overweight you would fit. Both great cars.

[@machtschnell7452]

No, it is just too narrow and uncomfortable. Look at his shoulders and anyone can see that anyone sitting next to him would be impinged upon severely.

[@AltaMirage]

@@machtschnell7452 Bullshit. I am a 6 foot 2 inch guy well above 200lbs, but I am fit as hell in my early fifties. I have a 1975 TR6 and David is entirely right. These guys are simply too fat and out of shape for this car. As to shoulders... I still train and fight Muay Thai. There is absolutely zero issue for my physical parameters in this car. My 20 something girlfriend agrees. It is clear that you have never been in this model of car.

[@josephdecker2501]

@@AltaMirageI’m 52, 190 lbs and 5’10”. I own a spider,owned an MGB and have driven/ridden in friends tr6. The Alfa is definitely wider and more comfortable. Next was MGB.

[@AltaMirage]

@@josephdecker2501 All that you say is true, but is compatible with what I say. The TR6 is more than adequate for a guy of my size. I use mine on the regular, as well as for long trips, no issues, hood up or down. As for being hard to drive... she is beautiful. Perfect. If people don't want feedback from the rack and pinion steering, they should drive a modern cushy car with no sense of the road.

[@user-vk8uu9nv7n18]

"Which do you like TriumphTR6 or Alfa Romeo?" "YES."

[@matthysdannhauser]

Would go for the Alfa definitely

[@mitchd949]

Some of the gripes are due to some owner modification and you really should call that out: 1) the TR6 steering wheel is not stock, so don't gripe that you can't put your hand on the wheel near the door. 2) the Alfa should have a shoulder belt since those were mandated in 1968. Another miss is the call out of rear-lever shocks in the TR6 - shocks don't provide the rebound, that's the job of the spring. The "shocks" in this case ONLY provide "damping."

[@timsuddard6502]

The steering wheel is smaller, not larger than stock. A stock wheel would make this problem worse.

[@Jargonaut1159]

Shock absorbers provide 2 kinds of damping - bump (under compression) and rebound (extension). The driver was referring to a lack of rebound damping on the outdated (even at the time) lever-arm shock absorbers in the TR6.

[@stevecolton4714]

My '69 Spider only has a lap belt.

[@stevecolton4714]

This is a link to a summary of the NHTSA Motor Vehicle Safety Standards: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and Regulations one.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/fmvss/index.html. The seat belt regulations are listed in Section 209. Note that the initial 1/1/1968 regulation specifically exempts convertibles, and the 1/1/1973 update has the language exempting them removed. (The same update mandated retractable mechanisms for the shoulder belt assembly.)

[@Tortuga6able]

I wonder if the lever shocks had ever been rebuilt in the test TR6? That would make substantial difference.

[@rooneyroo5338]

Both nice cars.... I would like a TR6...... But I have a 1750 71 alfa spider and that's a keeper!

[@jeffarcher400]

I own a white 91 spider.Found a silver hardtop and was going to paint it to match. Now I really like the silver on white. It looks like it was made in Naboo. I've had five Alfas and miss the two GTV the most. Amazing cars didn't squeal in the parking garage. That means the engineers did something that doesn't seem possible today. Such a smooth strange feeling to turn and feel the car respond with such eager turn in. No noise,just your seat and head feel g forces. Now imagine that happy balance on the mountain roads. Yes, imagine because they can cost thirty grand now if you can find one. The first one got rear ended at a stop light. A young driver thought she was going to be rear ended and hit her mom's car, pushing it into mine. Slow, no one hurt, should have fixed it but got another one. An unlicensed, uninsured driver pulled out on my wife in the rain. Slow no one hurt but that was a wake up call for loving cars too much. After that my wife didn't like the Spider. She loved her Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 battle wagon. I still drive the Alfa. It's slow and low but feels like a magic carpet ride. I can pull up and park next to any super car and I know he spent more and is cooler,but not much. Some supercars are losing value. Alfa Romeo Spider is appreciating.

[@patrickd1805]

Tr6 looks bad ass

[@trevor5929]

The triumph was dated when it came out. The Alfa has had 4 wheel disc since the early 60s and stop on a dime. The 5 speed is much nicer than the old 4 speed triumph. Plus the look of that Italian design with Corrello headlights is pure sex.

[@martinanderson1995]

Even to this day, the TR6 is a gorgeous looking vehicle.

[@tiki_trash]

I agree, just judging by how they look, the Alfa looks like an aluminum can compared to a tin can. Ok, maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but I think the driver's responses were pretty much in line with that.

[@DURAK69]

I haw Alfa 1750 GTV most battle skitt i ever haw A all so haw Triumph TR wery nice car bäst car i liket i All so haw Jaguar E type 1967 4.2 engine fantastic car bäst car ever never sale my car

[@edwardcapaldi7915]

insane, i too own a 1971 spider and 1973 tr6!

[@markcampbell3952]

Loved this vid. As the owner of TR6 albeit the full fat PI version I am a bit biased but the Alfa is just so pretty to look at. Would I trade? No way but I’d happily put Alfa Spyder in my garage alongside my 6. Please do more videos like this. 👍

[@timsuddard6502]

We are planning on a whole series of these videos with Tiger vs. Shelby GT 350 next.

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

I must agree the front end and even the side view of the Alpha is beautiful but look at the rear view of the car design, must have been Friday afternoon in the Milan studios

[@henryzeisler8280]

As a mechanic & racer I’ll go with the ALFA every time! I’m from Chicago and drove both in the rain. The TR-6 went quicker (if the roads were dry) but the ALFA was a real “Driver’s Car.” The Triumph’s rear end broke loose ( for me) too often. Alfa’s had me entering and leaving turns faster and with more & better feel on what was next. That TR-6 was always a “crap shoot!”

[@fredgarv79]

Henry, my 74 spider has this issue. It's a bear to start. it has the spica injection and it takes 7-10 tries to get it to start. once it starts, it runs perfectly and when I turn it off after driving, it starts immediately back up. but let it sit overnight, same thing it won't start unless you turn it 8 times. funny thing we had some really hot weather this summer and during that, it started right away but the temp outside had to be 85 or more. I think it could be the TA? it also does backfire if I take the gas of the pedal say going downhill. so I just put it in neutral to avoid that. nobody I know can work on spica's. I even had one guy who said he was an expert tune it and it made no difference. any ideas?

[@henryzeisler8280]

@@fredgarv79 It’s either the TA or the Cold Start solenoid. Back in the “70’s” you could buy a cable that replaced the thermal TC with a cable (like a choke cable). When cold pull out, and once warmed up push in! It’s elegantly simple and that resolves the TA! To check the cold start solenoid warm up the car then jump the solenoid and if it correctly adjusted the engine will sputter but run. The sputtering is the rich mix you just triggered but if it doesn’t you need to loosen the lock nut below it and screw it down until it will sputter!

[@henryzeisler8280]

You need a "Thermostatic Actuator." A good Alfa Shop will know how to install then once it's in check (with a warm engine) the Barometric Compensator! A simple hot wire at idle and touch the connector and the engine will idle rough (Enrichens the Mixture) if it doesn't the nut below gets loosened and you screw up for richen and down to lean. Let me know if you need more info!

[@henryzeisler8280]

And my Alfa is a 1974 GTA with a 1996 2000cc Twin Plug Bosch Injection and a "Hot Chip!" I still have friends in Italy!

[@fredgarv79]

@@henryzeisler8280 thank you this is what I suspected about the TA by reading a bunch of alfa manuals and troubleshooting stuff. but I am not very mechanical so I do know one shop in Seattle that the guy knows alfas and used to race them. so I'm planing on taking it to him (if I can afford it) but I have another question. I bought the car with that had been sitting for over 25 years in a dry texas garage but a few months in, the head gasket blew. I had a top end rebuild done with all new high quality gaskets etc. but after 10 years I noticed some oil in the coolant. now just two years before this, I had a brand new radiator put in and new fluid of course. but now, spots of oil in the coolant, so I thought why not try to do a coolant flush, clean out the overflow tanks which was very dirty. but now, same thing, drops of oil in the coolant. it does not smoke out the tailpipe at all and no issues really, but this bothers me. I found out about a drain plug on the side of the engine and told the people about that(they had no clue) but I don't know if they bothered to try to even take that plug out or not before they flushed it. But, I have an oil leak that seems to be coming from underneath the back part of the engine like it could be a rear end seal? I loose about a quart of oil every say 600 miles or 700. what do you think? there is no oil at all coming from the top valve cover or anywhere on the top end of the block. it sounds expensive to have to pull out the engine and replace the rear seal where it connects to the tranny? I dont know what I am talking about but this is what I know. it's not a lot of oil just a few spots of it when you take of the radiator cap. could it be that the engine was not flushed out enough and its just residual oil? thanks if you have any ideas

[@JBsC6]

Both awesome the alfa 1750 dohc four five speed manual and four wheel disc brakes would be my choice. Growing up my dad had a 1963 guilietta , a 1967 red duetto and a 1971 silver 1750 spider so Im heavily biased.

[@cirrus1964]

Car isn't to tight, you both are obese. Further, not much knowledge here British sport car history, they never were fragile!

[@ursus9104]

Easy the Alfa Romeo. Once I had a Triumph and never again, rust everywhere and an electronic system that drove you mad.

[@andybroer651]

When my wife and I went out to buy classic roadster before we had kids so... like 30 years ago... my wife couldn't reach the pedals in the ALFA Spider, but she could in the TR6! So, we've been proud 2nd owners of a 1972 TR6 for more than 30 years now. Bernard Juchli (Jay Leno's head mechanic) helped hop it up with webers, custom cam, lightened fly wheel, you name it, it has got it! The ALFA is beautiful, but the TR6 is handsome. Engine and drive train have been pretty bullet proof for a 52 year old car. Neither car is a bad choice IMHO. Thanks for the video!

[@seinsmeld13]

F the cars, we should be discussing the second man's hairdo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PeteCourtier]

Looks like the cars of choice to drive to the pie eating contest 🤪

[@lewstone1934]

The TR6 is masculine and throaty; the Alfa is a delicate feminine car which most men would be conscious of whilst driving. Bit short on the performance detail I thought. Not a great investigation - less chat - and more technical detail on the road as they are being driven required. Both cars barely passed 2000 rpm it seemed. Not really a road test - just someone spouting on.

[@AltaMirage]

Absolutely agree. Also no discussion of the different models of TR6. These guys aren't real petrolheads... also the body size ... yeah well.

[@jamesf5150]

This is like comparing your bruising English drinking buddy to a beautiful Italian woman. Both awesome in their own way.

[@timsuddard6502]

LOL, and well put!

[@Magcheck]

My thought exactly!

[@jeffarcher400]

How about Meat Pie ,a pint and Rugby versus the Spaghetti Bolognese with wine and the Opera.

[@francescomotti6165]

@@jeffarcher400 "spaghetti bolognese" is a touristy-fake italian dish. Tagliatelle al ragú is real bolognese pasta, not spaghetti :)

[@jeffarcher400]

@@francescomotti6165 You're right. I just wanted to make it accessable to the masses. It's often the cheapest. I remember liking the linguine al vongole in the white sauce. Now I'm getting hungry.

[@richardcarter1000]

I had a 1971 1750 Kamm tail for 9 years. Great car. I still have a TR6. Both great. TR6 is tougher if you are going to use it a lot. Alfa is sooo pretty.

[@jamcdona]

I agree, Richard. The Alfa's metal is more thin also. My TR6 is a tank compared to the Alfa, and the electrics are so much easier to work with than the Alfa.

[@timsuddard6502]

So far, the Alfa has proven to be just as reliable as the TR6. Neither has given me much trouble.

[@dinopappous6639]

Sophia vs Bertha....the choice is obvious

[@bb57365]

Bertha, the dead rock that song.🎶

[@86BBUB]

I owned a '69 Triumph TR-6 and a '73 Alfa. I loved both but there is really no comparison. The Triumph is a small truck. If I could have one back it would be the Alfa.

[@jwrarmstrong]

Compared to modern cars both are crap, but I'd eat a can of worms to own either one. Back in the 90's I had a 1982 Alfa GTV6 which was very cheap so I thought that it needed a professional appraisal for insurance purposes. I found a guy called Maurice Bramhall who came to the house while I was at work. My wife took him to the garage and along the way confessed that the car burned oil. He said " Of course it does my dear, it's Italian. If it were British it would leak oil".

[@ralphedelbach]

I had a couple of MGA, including a MK II Deluxe but the two Alfa Spiders I owned after the MGs are more memorable in many ways. Bella maccina compared to the British iron.

[@Kevin-so9lx]

The ALFA is a driver's car that handles and stops like a modern car, plus it is comfortable on long drives. It was far ahead of it's time in the 70's with 4 wheel disks, fuel injection 5 speed, aluminum engine and one of the best tops in the industry. When I was younger I always wanted a Triumph, however the TR6 doesn't even come close to the ALFA. Any example of a Triumph from that era; TR6 or GT6 that I have driven was sloppy, loose and skittish. They all rattled and handling on bumpy or wet roads was scary, however they did look attractive. The ALFA on the other hand is a pleasure to drive. I have put 60,000 miles on mine over the last 12 years and I intend to keep it until they ask me to stop driving. It still makes me smile, especially the way engine sounds when you up shift. I don't understand why you would even make the comparison especially when the TR6 had been upgraded with a modern 5 speed from Toyota. The original Triumph 4 speed with electric overdrive was a pain and frequently didn't engage, so that's why you swapped the transmission. Most British cars from the late 60's were poorly assembled from common 20 year old parts bins and just bolted together old style body on frame. The design and engineering were really light years behind Alfa Romeo. Anything from British Leyland in those years was a mixed bag of old parts and technology. You can't really compare these two vehicles, other than they are both small open cars from the 1970's they really have nothing in common. With upgrades Alfaholics you can now tune the stock Spider for serious handling and performance.

[@machtschnell7452]

TR6 is hands down one of the worst cars that I've ever driven from that era. It cannot fit two people in its interior without them having to put their outside arms hanging over the sill of the window. the ride was just incredibly harsh for no benefit whatsoever. It was like someone had taking a 1930s car and put a modern steel body on its frame. the Alfa Romeo was just light years ahead in terms of comfort performance ride and sophistication. And you could actually get two people in it comfortably.

[@adamsalnick5265]

For the record, I have had two people in a tr6 EVERYDAY on my commute for the past 19 years. I am 6'2 and fit just fine. The other passenger is my wife or my coworker. Wife is small, coworker is not. I have spent some time behind the wheel of an alfa, it did not blow me away as far and away sophisticated other than the SPICA which as an engineer I find fascinating but seems like a complex solution, but hey, I love dual quads so each to their own. I spend all day with Injector design so I may just have a hangover from it which is why I have left the stock lucas injection in a box on my shelf. I have swapped out to stiffer springs and changed the valving on the lever shocks, so it isn't totally stock. I love the overdrive, but to be fair, I pulled it and replaced the bearings on a number of years ago, but other than that is flawless. I think with any old car a lot has to do with what you like and others choice don't make sense. I have no allegiance to Triumph or the TR6. I didn't even mean to own it this whole time, but it keeps rocking even though I drive the doors off it every day (I am not a cruiser). I have had a number of other roadsters that have rotated through, but somehow this one has stuck. That being said, I prefer the styling of the TR line to the alfa by a lot, but will would never fault anyone who differs in opinion.

[@lascm5237]

The obvious comment to make following criticism of the TR6’s narrow cockpit is that this is the downside of an older engineered body-on-separate-chassis design. As stated, the Italian cars of this vintage are inherently more modern then their Brit counterparts but both have their charms. Nothing quite like the look of the Alfa and the sound of a TR6 straight six at full chat! 😁

[@timsuddard6502]

Well said.

[@cwclifford]

Than

[@Reiffan]

poor americans: The US version of the TR6 offers only 106hp. The early european TR 6 offers e fun 143 hp until 1972 after this it drops tu 124 hp, but still a lot more than the boring US version.

[@tomfinney6498]

He could,ve mentioned Karmann of Germany styled the TR6. !! although the 4,4A IRS & 5 were Michelloti of Italy , nice video ,the guys ain,t slim Jims , so they 'will' be snug!! :-)

[@jamesreckling6697]

The guy driving the Triumph first was resting his hand on the gear shift, not good!

[@benheidiroope]

Wow - This video hits close to home. We have a 74 Alfa spider and I just finished restoring a 64 Triumph Tr4, and am trying to decide which one to keep. So far, it’s Both :) Wish I knew how to upload a picture to this

[@ClassicMotorsports]

Unfortunately you can not upload a photo here but if you visit ClassicMotorsports.com you can share some photos in the build and project car section of our forum!

[@jrgensenbo2999]

Interesting comparison. "But appr. the same price, when they were new in the 60th" - is not quite correct. In Denmark the Alfa Spider 1750 Veloce had an 22,4% higher price tag as the Triumph TR6 1st Dec 1968. That is 57.500 against 46.996kr. I would choose the Alfa anytime - or sempre as they say in Italy. 😎

[@tedenderpalmer6550]

I have owned both cars, I'd say the TR6 is more comfortable for the 6 footer and taller. The Alfa handles great, good acceleration, if you tall the shifter hits your knee. It's so easy to upgrade the Alfa. Now which do I still own..........the Alfa with 2L and Bosch Fuel injection.

[@timsuddard6502]

Good comments. Thanks

[@shanebeaudrot777]

Great review guys . I really expected a slam dunk, one above the other. Both cars are cool in their own perspective.

[@ClassicMotorsports]

Glad you liked it!

[@Mark48843]

Interesting video. Like Tim (and others who have weighed in here) I also own one of each. I own a ‘69 TR6 and a ‘90 Alfa Spider. I’ve owned and driven many, many more miles behind the wheel of my TR6. The Alfa is a relatively recent addition. But it’s an excellent long distance touring car. It’s got a softer suspension than the TR6. And erecting or lowering the top is much easier than the TR6. It can easily done at a traffic light and without getting out of the car! Both are fun cars to drive. Impossible for me to choose. Love them both!

[@pete5534]

I like 'em both, though the rally style wheels are more to my taste over the wire wheels on the Triumph.

[@shanebeaudrot777]

Good call on the wire wheels. If I owned that car, I'd definitely want the wire wheels. Just seems right and a classic befitting.

[@davedavidson9996]

My first car at 16 was a TR4A. A few years later I had an Alfa Duetta. The TR4A was very similar to a TR6 or TR250 just less torque. I would pick the Alfa because it had a more rad engine/trans and brakes. The Alfa really screamed.

[@matthewhummel6023]

You have to worry about where you put your tummy.

[@jazzfan999]

I had both: The Triumph as a late teen, and the Alfa as a newly-wed, a few years later. I'm hopelessly romantic. When I see the TR6, it's like seeing a photo of an old girl friend whose presence I cherished. When I see the spider it's seeing the defining love of my life (This was an analogy between ideals and the cars, not a correlation, but when I read it back to myself, I chuckled a bit).

[@markcook3570]

I own a Tr-250, was looking at a Alfa. Glad I bought my TR instead

[@johnbroomer3285]

While I love the look and the sound of a TR6, I don’t think I would take one over the Alfa. I looked after my friend’s TR6 when he was out of country (at the time I owned a TR8, which I consider to be lightyears ahead of the TR6). I asked a fellow club member about it because it seemed to be riding quite rough. He asked if it felt like something between a truck and a horse cart, to which I replied yes. He told me everything was fine then.

[@kevinharper7037]

Yeah I am another one that has both. They are different beast and drive substantially different, and both are fun in their own ways. It is funny to see how taste change in regards to looks, when the alfa was introduced it was panned as being gimmicky styling, and it is now considered iconic. Which is better, the Alfa is much better for a longer trip, and it so easier to use day to day. The triumph is great fun for a morning romp and I love the sound of the straight six. In the end I think Tim needs to get a Fiat 124 spider and bring it up to euro specs as it is more fun than either of these.

[@leemorris2127]

I owned a period Fiat Spider (1969) and a '74 TR6. Strange that I enjoyed the TR more, even though the Fiat braked better and was more nimble.

[@christophervan6966]

From a styling and engineering perspective there is of course no comparison. But the TR does appeal as the definitive trad British sports car.

[@henryzeisler8280]

If I sold my Alfa GTA (not quite yet), I'd look for either a Bugeye Sprite, or a Japanese English Rover Mini w/Air Conditioning! I just worked on one, and was shocked at how well Rover got A/C in the Mini! I'm in Miami, FL. and it got to 38°!

[@johnburns3703]

Carburretor seems like the elephant in the room here.

[@seinsmeld13]

There is no comparison. The Alfa is beautiful and Italian while the Triumph is British. Story over.

[@racketman2u]

You love all things British, huh?

[@jimd.1188]

I love a many cars for many different reasons but I can just stare at my TR6 in the garage and admire it for hours. I joke it was the best 50's sports car ever built. Only problem is it was 15-20 years too late for the marketplace. It's a blast to drive on a normal road. As I get older, the 500hp precision cars we have today are just too capable for everyday driving to be thrilling. My TR6 is fun at 40-50 mph, I don't need to be doing 120.

[@glenjo0]

Either one of these suckers is AN AWESOME CAR. Go for it! I've owed both - and all I can say is YES!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly from 2030 on all combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in EU :-( In Germany the Green party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing petrol stations to only one single state operated central gasstation per city or county. :-(((

[@bcaviews]

Alfa any day and every day!

[@rgfrw]

I had a '73 Alpha. Loved that car. When I moved from NJ to VA the moving truck backed into it and that was the end of it. Today I just cant wrap my head around the concept of an Alpha SUV!

[@brianpercival1829]

TR6 was dated when released. The Alpha designers created a classic sports car. The appeal is still there and will endure the test of time. -5 points for the pop can behind the drivers seat, at least you didn't toss it along the roadside.

[@JD-ze2fy]

Great video, great review. I agree with everything they said but I'm still sticking with my TR6!! That's the one I could stare at in the garage. YMMV.

[@SteveDaviesCPT]

Come on, is this even a contest? The Giulia Spider was years ahead of its time. The 105 engine amazing for its time and still such fun. And its an Alfa!

[@gregmodelle7343]

The engine is a gem! Spica mechanical fuel injection is genius!

[@timsuddard6502]

They are in roughly the same price range today. Full report with more detail in the next issue of Classic Motorsports magazine.

[@johntechwriter]

‘Physically very restrictive inside . . “ Ummm, do you suppose the 60 pounds of lard you’re carrying might also be contributing to the sense of restriction? Or do we all just pretend your weight is not a factor, for fear of hurting your feelings?

[@Rekmeyata]

I've actually owned both of these cars a long time ago, along with a MGA and a Lotus Europa JPS. MGA and the Lotus were electrical and mechanical nightmares, the MGA was the worse followed by the Lotus. The TR6 was the most reliable of the British cars I owned, but it still had its fair share of problems; the Alfa on the other hand was the most reliable of the old-world cars that I owned, though it was more problem prone than a Nissan 280zx I had but that thing was indestructible, it was far better than the British cars. The Alfa did indeed feel more modern, while the Lotus was the fastest car, the Alfa was simply more refined and it fitted better to me. Now that I will be retiring in a couple of years, I decided to revisit owning another small sports car, looked at the modern offerings and quite frankly I'm not impressed, while they are faster and handle better, they're lacking personality that the older cars had in spades, also I can work on the older cars much easier than the newer ones. So, I decided to go old school, and after owning the ones I owned I will probably go with the Alfa again, there was just something about that car that I really enjoyed driving and having, I now wish I had kept the one I had! Anyway, a great review of the two cars, and of course I'm in complete agreement with the Alfa being chosen by the two reviewers as the winner.

[@joecataldo3853]

During the 1970s-1980s I had owned Fiat 124 Spiders, Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce and others. Back then, the English sports cars always had electrical problems. At least the Italian sports cars always look Great going down the road!

[@jamcdona]

Wow, great comparison! I happen to also own both- an 86 S3 Veloce and a 74 TR6. The Alfa was cheap when I got it, and I couldn't afford a TR6 at the time. The plan was to get rid of the finicky Alfa when I finally found a good TR6, but I just can't. I feel that they are two totally different cars, with the Alfa being more sophisticated and comfortable. With Koni shocks, lowering springs and a chassis stiffener, the Alfa handles VERY good on the streets. It will never be a Miata, though, and you can't really expect it to. The TR6 gearbox (stock) has a very short throw compared to the Alfa, and can shift more quickly. Getting into a car with a wood dash is something special. I feel lucky to own both cars, and sometimes drive home for lunch to swap cars. I left my early BMW's behind to enjoy these classics, and I don't miss them at all!

[@cheftush]

I wonder how many guys have both.....😉

[@jamcdona]

@@cheftush Not sure, but you can tell them by the grit under their fingernails.

[@timsuddard6502]

@@cheftush So far, I am surprised at the number of people saying they own both.

[@frankgalassi7821]

Alfa is for me.

[@MrRdb1963]

The Tr is the "blokes car" and the Alfa is for the missus. I have a friend with an Alfa we rarely drive together with my TR6 tho because it's always down for one thing or another. Despite the pedigree of that Alfa twin cam, it doesn't hold a candle to the torque and sound of a straight six.

[@AltaMirage]

Thanks. Agree. About to buy a 1975 TR6. Am definitely a bloke. Cheers mate! :)

[@johnbanning8156]

I'll take the. Triumph any day of the week. I just love that car.❗️👍😎

[@daluidi5923]

Alfa, no doubt…is by far a better constructed and a convertible style car.

[@truequan]

Funny. I was looking at both and I bought the 75 tr6. I bought it for it's beefiness. It rattles a bit more and it is true, the armstrong rear suspension is inferior to the alpha.The alpha is just not quite hairy enuff. Just today someone said at the gas station, nicest Alpha Romeo I' ve seen in a long time. I just said thanks.

[@michaelh.9866]

What would I choose? The Alfa, of course. It's really, really nice with the headlight fairings. If I were wishing, I'd quickly sell it to put the money in my NA Miata... (sorry, folks!) But Alfas (Any Alfas) are just So So beautiful... At 16, the first car I ever drove was my brother's 1750 GTV. Hooked... Go Horst Kweck!

[@GunCollector007]

Great video. I love the Alfa.

[@bertone83]

I will never sell my little Spider

[@timsuddard6502]

Same here!

[@dutchyjhome]

Guys, both drivers have a very bad habit of keeping the hand on the shifter... That's a big No-No ! The gearshifter has to have all room to move, since the whole engine moves and so the bolted on gearbox as well. What you're doin' here basically is wear down the gearbox in no-time. You guys across the Atlantic bearably ever drive a normal hand shifted car so you are forgiven, for now that is... But pleas do not try to put yourself in the "Connoisseur" position, especially if you do not know how to handle a European hand shifted car. By all means: never ever leave your hand on the shifter-knob.... ever ! Don't ! You will f@ck up the gearbox ! Rule: you only briefly touch the shift-knob when the clutch is in and you're actually shifting. So basically the vast majority of the time you're driving the shift-knob is left alone so she's able to vibrate and shake at will without any interference by any hand at all. Next time have European cars like this driven by Europeans.

[@nailil5722]

Honestly, there is no comparison. The Alfa is objectively just better, the whole video felt like a long excuse for the TR6.

[@frankmgallo]

Todd If your thinking of selling the 69 please let me know and 1st refusal. Thanks I’m not sure how to contact you besides this form.

[@carlyleporter5388]

Perhaps if the TR6 critic would lose a couple hundred pounds he wouldn't feel so cramped.

[@saftevand]

The non-US spec TR6 would have smoked the Alfa completely with fuel injection and 150 bhp

[@emmettzz]

Great comparison but it left out the most important point: engine sound. The TR6 wins for this alone.

[@machtschnell7452]

Only if you like truck engines. This is no BMW nor Mercedes I6.

[@johnkerr7286]

I wouldn't mind if the Alfa broke down - I'd be happy just sitting on the road side looking at it!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

The TR6 is easily the one I would choose

[@mkshffr4936]

More room is nice but in almost every other respect I will take the Triumph. BOF is much easier to maintain and repair. The engine in the Triumph has loads of potential to easily out power and torque the Alfa. And the manly styling of the Triumph trips my trigger. I have always wanted one of them.

[@jwrarmstrong]

James May called the TR6 a "blokes car". I see what he means.

[@AltaMirage]

I now own a 1975 TR6 and have driven it plenty since seeing your review. My conclusion is that you should lose a significant amount of weight, and become stronger in your arms. There is nothing wrong with the size of the cockpit, and I am a powerfully framed 50 something guy of 6 foot 2 inches, at 210lbs, but who trains and fights Muay Thai regularly among other things. Honestly you guys are simply too fat and unfit.

[@my1vice]

The Alfa hands down.

[@tonyray4565]

The Triumph is a truck compared to the Alfa.

[@yumeneko63]

Neither of these guys know how to drive manual gearbox cars. You should never rest your hands on the gear lever while driving. You would inflict completely unnecessarily wear on the shift linkages and can possibly cause damages to the gearbox itself depending upon the design. And for God’s sake, lose a few pounds.

[@timsuddard6502]

Yes, JG, who won the SCCA Time Trial national championship last year, and has been racing for 40 years knows nothing about driving. Thank you for your kindness and expertise.

[@generatorjohn4537]

This is a tough contest. Both are great so I would need to drive each one 1st before I make a final decision. I have never driven either. Great video.

[@ricardoantonio5085]

All of you that had an Alfa can still get one. Go out and buy a Miata.

[@craigluhr7243]

I had a 72 TR6 and loved it. Sorry I ever sold it.

[@claudecousineau5811]

TR 6 closest thing to a motorcycle 😬😬

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

Couldn’t possibly disagree more with the analysis and I speak from experience. I owned an early 1969 without the smog control apparatus that was added in later models. It was torquey and pulled like a thoroughbred. The overdrive could add more hearing options. I’m 6.5 220 and never felt cramped. In 1981 I test drove a new Alpha what a letdown, It was as powerful as a Fiat 124...flat chested. So great to put on a shelf but if you put it on the track it would be embarrassing... not even slightly competitive. Ask Bob Tullius If you want

[@michaelreilly1310esq]

tons of room buy a Town car

[@timsuddard6502]

I know Bob Tullius quite well and they worked hard to make the TR6 race car. I have also owned and driven several Group 44 cars.

[@kevinharper7037]

I think Paul Spruell might have something to say about Alfa's competitiveness on the track

[@ronpilchowski9898]

The alf looks like a girl should own It

[@joecasual2952]

Fat man in a liitle car! Classic.