What makes one of Alfa's biggest mistakes better to drive than the lauded BMW M135i? - Alfa 147 GTA

I owned this BMW M135i and sold it a year ago as i found it too boring to drive. Will revisiting it change my mind and make me wish I was not driving my Alfa 147 GTA?

[@zivotamilenkovic]

BMW is good car, Alfa has a soul, passion and it is breathless. BMW👍 ALFA❤️

[@AP-ij2wz]

1) the Busso is the best 6 cylinders ever built 2) an old BMW is an old car, and old Alfa is a classic car

[@delahayenator]

Come on, BMW the last 25 years is making the cars Alfa should make. To my sadness Alfa dropped the ball long ago. I really love Alfa Romeo, grew up in them and owned many, but you don’t do BMWs justice not to call them classics. Almost any M model is a classic when it comes on the market. The latest models are a bit clinical, but a Giulia is a bit clinical too if compared to an older Alfa and feels a bit more remote then a 75/Milano or even a a 156gta or 147. And the BMW 6 in lines are all gems like the Busso was. The Busso was very nice and a good engine but let’s be honest, they couldn’t keep it up to date, emission and performance wise. So it was not the best concept in the end. It lasted quite long but was at the end of its development.The new Alfa V6 is a beast but it doesn’t sound as beautiful as a Busso. And it’s not because of turbos because Bussos with turbo sound really nice as well.

[@pudingaomar6341]

Classic rust buckets

[@hellocookie5932]

No bro, BMW are making run of the mill cars with fancy infotainment. Only Italian cars have true style.

[@f.d.robben159]

I never drove straight back home after work, while I owned a 156 2.5 24v. It was so much fun to drive and to listen when the warm engine climbs up the ladder of revs. A wooden gear lever and steeringwheel in your hands, red leather interior and that sound: pure emotion with even less than 200hp.

[@declancarey1435]

The Alfa just looks a million times better. It’s worth buying it for that alone.

[@mrmacedon]

keep telling yourself that peasant

[@declancarey1435]

@@mrmacedon Clueless

[@mrmacedon]

@@declancarey1435 delusional

[@declancarey1435]

@@mrmacedon LIO

[@mrmacedon]

@@zerox8830 looks are the least thing to worry about

[@TheSeeka]

And this is exactly why I drive an Alfa (GT 3.2 V6), my third Busso in a row. Thanks for doing a good job of expressing what makes these cars so special!

[@crocapo]

I have 3.2 V6 Gt and it's awesome 😎

[@Gilbertr14]

Miss my Busso every day

[@snapchat4473]

@@crocapo Same Bro GT 3,2 V6 4x80 Ragazzon Classic i enjoy it everyday.

[@viktorpantazis4441]

How would you compare it to the 156 and 147 (less room aside)?

[@TheSeeka]

@@viktorpantazis4441 I’ve had a 156 and I’d say although the GT has legroom in the back the boot makes up for it. Same for the 147. Personally I really enjoy the driving position of the GT, especially when it’s a little lowered! All great cars though.

[@riggs1590]

The Alfa is doing what Alfa's do. It's getting under your skin 👍

[@simonhodgetts6530]

They do that! But then I’ve always loved them!

[@peterboot7120]

Yup!....I now...Its my baby 😚😎

[@ivanlazarevic78]

I know what you mean...dont have 3.2 V6 sadly,only 2.0jts GT and it is lovely piece of caracterfull and beutifull designed car.

[@sethbranam9068]

I absolutely love my Alfa. I never got the Alfa thing until I bought the Giulia Q. It’s certainly flawed but in the best way. I have owned Porsche, Corvettes, Jaguars, Mustangs, and more. Nothing compares to the fun of the Alfa. It’s so visceral. It has a personality and charm. Just damn fun to drive!

[@hellocookie5932]

You bought a brilliant car mate.

[@philskype101]

I had a 147 GTA and now I have a Giulia quadrifoglio, I liked the GTA a lot but Giulia is in another league.

[@Florens405]

I hope to go the same route as you 😉 Owned a 147 before, I've currently got an Alfa GT. Next step is the 147 GTA and then the mighty Giulia QV😍

[@lucaalux]

Congratulations, the alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio is one of the best car of the last decade! Especially equipped with the rare manual transmission. Enjoy your great car

[@studiocalder818]

God forbid: 20 years have passed!

[@rogerchadwick3452]

I have a 4c...and you would think listening to motoring writers its not a good car...ITS MAGNIFICENT

[@mircea-alexandruluncan8566]

@@Florens405 I'm looking for a GT to buy. How is it compared to the 147? I will have the 1.9 jtdm q2

[@coltr7561]

"The Alfa 147 GTA offers exceptionally quick and precise speed-sensitive power assisted steering, with a rack requiring just 1.75 turns lock-to-lock." but you are right, almost no other car has as good steering as Alfa and its all Alfas old and new ones, they are real drivers cars.

[@fattuchi]

Does steering wheel when you steer in Alfa feels strong like in typical small old BMW?

[@coltr7561]

@@fattuchi I have only driven BMW e46 and e28, e46 has way worse steering than any Alfa I have driven.

[@fattuchi]

@@coltr7561 thanks for letting me know! Can't wait to test drive an Alfa Romeo

[@DouweBuruma]

@@fattuchi the E30 comes close.

[@46danz]

My first Alfa was the most hated one,146 1.3 boxer,I absolutely loved it.The steering,the engine,it made you feel special.I cried when i got rid of it.

[@Number27]

Ah the last use of the boxer!!!

[@jaymyers6452]

The alfa gta is probably one of the funnest cars to drive, never gets boring, never

[@pete3198]

So very true! Mine is getting long in the tooth so I've tried to put it up for sale 2 or 3 times now - but every time I've gotten in the car and given in that final drive before posting the Ad I found myself feeling some sort of deep attachment, and I just couldn't do it. Still have the car, and at this point Ive given up on trying to sell it and decided I'm going to rinstead keep it, spend what i need to, and restore it to it's former glory :)

[@Alfa-yk2qh]

@@pete3198 very smart decision, also the smallest modifications make all the diffefence . The busso engines never die anyway. Good luck !

[@kevinoakes1171]

Great video Jack. My opinion, Alfa make cars that drive great and look beautiful with stunning interiors, without compromise. BMW and other German brands tend to make cars for bankers and salesmen, not drivers or petrol heads like us. That BMW is like driving a PlayStation car, interesting but all fake. The Alfa is all about the raw, real experience.

[@ryanmccormick2150]

I've never been a BMW fan if I'm honest, I love your Alfa tho Jack ! its a lovely car and sounds superb 👌 😀

[@markmushypeas313]

You are so right. All modern cars are numbing. The 90's were a golden era for feel and driving pleasure.

[@seymourcapone9506]

You're right Jack; that Italian engine note sings!

[@t3garrett216]

Pavarotti's Engine 😎😎😎

[@seymourcapone9506]

@@t3garrett216 Yes Sir, absolute eargasm!

[@ghibli608]

Some information for you. For the BMW: You CAN switch of the DSC by pressing the traction control button for 4 seconds.

[@kristoffer3000]

Pretty baffling thing to claim that you can't turn it off lol Especially from a car nut. It took me about 5 seconds in my F20 to get it turned off the first time lol

[@henrikl1394]

You must put in the Q2-diff . One more thing. The Busso V6 started it's life in the Alfa 6, Not the GTV.

[@Engineerd3d]

The alfa v6 is one heck of an engine. It's the engine that keeps me up at night. Have been looking for a gtv6 for ages. Once i find one i will snatch it.

[@NaNa-wj8tw]

There seems a lot more positiveness around Alfa’s today and the cars 10- 20 years old or so are starting to become collectible. It’s nice too more people are appreciating the great things about them more not just endlessly pointing to the negatives.

[@parvinkukar1259]

Spot on with your comments. I’ve driven the Bmw M2 and they seriously fast but far less fun than my old cayman 987. I do think as we get older we get more nostalgic and remember how cars you were, slower but much more engaging. Back in the day I drove a Alfa sud and they were just so much fun

[@patrickhostler5939]

I know I know, the BMW is what you should own, BUT that Alfa just looks so much nicer, and that engine...❤️

[@karluum]

Busso started life in Alfa 6. The luxus sedan from 1979.

[@stephenc6955]

Bang-on Jack! Car engineers have perfected the art and science of producing *flawless* cars, in so doing, they have made the modern automobile *dull*.

[@CI_4C]

couldn't agree more, perfection doesn't necessarily mean it's fun and engaging to drive

[@milti_hades]

Alfa is love,feelings , soul..never get old..never..greetings from 🇬🇷,amazing alfa..amazing video 👏

[@alexskyer7106]

"Gosh. I love how Alfa v6 makes me feel, but it's old and I need to be trendy, I need to be the fastest at the green light, I need to move with times considering my interior car look and media equipment. I ll go for a brand new S3." ...... yeah, absolutely, go for it!

[@NaturallyAspirated]

Could not agree more! We absolutely love the 147 GTA, coincidentally have just done a very similar video and said very similar things! Got to love that Busso heart !

[@pete3198]

I own a 147 GTA myself - I've planned to replace it about 3 times. All the replacement cars got sold and the GTA is still here haha As for feeling lighter, I think it's just the fact that all of the contols youu interface with are so well tuned. The throttle response is is so linear and so responive to input, as are the brakes. Every time you move your foot even a milimeter on either pedal the car seems to respond with JUST the right amount of reaction, which gives the car this "hard wired to your brain feeling. Then you the steering, which is one of the fastest - possibly the fastest - ever on a production car at 1.7 turns lock-to-lock. To move your wrist the slighest amount and the response is instant, and so precise. The weighting is also excellent - not too heavy, not too light, and with a feeling of natural weight to it, unlike many modern cars which feel to me like they are unnaturally weighted. I think it's the combination of all these things that makes the GTA feel so surprisngly sporty and involving to drive. Every single control in the car just feels so responsive, progressive and so directly connected to your brain that it always feels like you and the car are working together as a single machine. It's a really nice feeling and reminds me of what it was like to drive my old MK1 Maxda MX-5, where everything just felt "right". It's also so true what you said about the Alfa - it's really, really difficult to drive it casually like a regular old shopping trolley. As long as you are in it you just always have an overwhelming temptation to just give it a little. Doesn't matter if it's around a corner (where it feels so agile and chuckable) or in a straight line (where the engine just begs to be revved),. Tring to drive the GTA in a "normal" way is like having a stunningly sexy women in lingerie sit down on your bed right next to you, and trying to just casually watch the news together. It's possible to do, but it feels incredibly unnatural, and you are left having to constantly consstnatly fight back every natural urge.

[@fasthracing]

I fully agree. almost all German cars in my experience are SO dull.

[@richardjohnson3463]

Alfa = "Drivers car". Nothing else needs said really. Well done, you got it!

[@marcmessmer317]

I loved seeing the 911 coming out of the most at 8:06

[@cirian75]

The very last batch of Busso V6 engines were made on 31/12/2005, Giuseppe Busso , its designer died 3 days later on 03/01/2006 :(

[@rezaq1]

Modern BMW’s are dull without doubt. The Alfa has charm and character. I currently keep a 166 Ti facelift and I love it.

[@johnbarry731]

The Alfa sounds fantastic. That alone would do it for me. I’ve had a few Alfa’s myself and of all the cars I’ve owned they remain my favourites. The best on being a 78 Alfetta 2.0. It to sounded fantastic

[@adriankingdon3055]

Electric power steering has ruined many a modern car, give me a slower but more engaging manual, older car any day.

[@organiccold]

Wr have two cars at home, same model diferent years, the older one has hidraulic steering the newer one is electric, the diference is night and day

[@adriankingdon3055]

@@organiccold what cars do you have?

[@becon_hairs_robloxien]

Yes it's right

[@mikedelicus]

I switched from a BMW E46 to a modern 125D and I was literally shocked about the difference. It took me a year to habituate me to the numb steering, sometimes you can feel the electrical servos following your moves on the steering, which is very disturbing. Often I miss the old one for the fun and soul, but I have to admit, that the comfort of the F20 is far superior.

[@lutherblissett9070]

maybe the steering or subframe is rubber mounted?

[@nedkelly4999]

We need more of these alfa vids. Awesome sound.

[@aHumanCookiee]

Actually the Alfas steering will be a lot quicker than the boring beemer, it is 1.75 turns lock to lock, that's one reason it doesn't do 3 point turns

[@studiocalder818]

Alfa does what you want; you wear it, it's like a bespoke suit made by a tailor

[@petrjerabek7641]

Nice episode again! The funny thing is, that in a 10 years time, people would pick this Beemer as an example of a purist's drivers car. Cars somehow get character with age and when comparing any newer vesus older of the similar type or model it typically ends this way - new is objectively better, but lacks the soul. Old is fun because you have to come around its weaknesses and the drive is more engaging. The interesting thing about Alfa Romeo is, that if you compare your 147 with any Giulia (doesnt have to be even the crazy fast QV), you will most likely say, that the new car is better than the old Alfa's from the times of 147/156 etc. GTA is somewhat special, but so is Giulia QV. They managed to engineer the driving soul to these cars even today. And i find it remarkarble. Sadly so, the model doesnt sell as it would deserve...

[@kanatsizkanatli]

true to some extent but the modern cars since like the 90s really have been getting heavier and numb with electric steering that is just disconnected from the steering wheel and that can't be corrected with aftermarket suspension its just a result of car design catering for comfort, fuel efficiency and safety rather than driving feel, sense of speed and excitement and naturally connected steering etc etc

[@nigelbullock9039]

Jack. I was mesmerised by how much the Alfa car seat moved during the drive. Huge Alfa fan and everyone should get to drive one before they knock them. Fantastic presentation and editing. 100k subs next step.

[@ducatiboy4951]

Alfa Romeo the car of those who feel.

[@britishleyland73]

Another great video Jack, with experience of newer BMW’s I do fine they a bit soulless to drive, bit like a Munich post office they do there job very well but they are very boring, unfortunately haven’t driven a GTA but have owned a 156 and they are great to drive great steering feedback and for my money a fantastic looking car! (Aren’t all Italian cars?) keep up the good work always a pleasure to watch!!!

[@phil-jz1mj]

Pretty much summed up how I feel about newer cars they just leave you feeling a bit cold but are very capable cars. It’s having the feeling of actually driving the car that makes older cars so much fun even though you know they are flawed in lots of ways. Another great video.

[@Shmee149]

These videos are really exciting, thank you!

[@caryknapton7233]

Have had BMW and Merc. Soulless cars, I still miss my 156 and 159 to this day. Your video absolutely brings that out

[@2702simmo]

You literally echoed my thoughts about the E93 M3 I bought in March and sold in July for a less powerful but infinitely more exciting 1998 911 Carrera 2

[@plasticpenguin1]

Alfa for me. Had Alfas since 2006 - great fun to drive.

[@plasticpenguin1]

Just to add, despite Alfa's foibles they are very addictive. If Alfas are your thing, no other car comes close.

[@rennwolfwolfgangkriegl]

I own a GTV with that Busso V6 and I love it to bits. Brilliant engine and quite a good car, all things considered. 😉

[@GTfour01]

Although I'm not so lucky as to own a 3.2 Busso, my daily driver 156SW 2.5 Busso(with cheeky CDA intake and a coilover set) makes me grin and smile every day I can use it. Oh, and it's done over 230K miles and still uses only a liter of Castrol's finests per 3500 to 4000 miles. I really only just need to go and get this T-shirt: "Life's too short to drive a boring car". 🇳🇱

[@richardm5664]

Only advantage to the BMW is that you can use it everyday. The Alfa really needs to be a second car and properly garaged. And you really do need deep pockets and specialists on your side as so many things can go wrong, that are more of a nightmare to deal with compared to "normal" cars, and parts supply is patchy (as well as expensive for trivial items). Would still love to own a GTA though, preferably a 156. Re. the hard ride, I have an FN2 Civic Type R and the ride is similarly uncompromising to the point that I will be changing it as it's no longer very fun to drive on UK roads. Some days I just get fed up with being bounced around, feeling every ridge and bump, and steering around sunken drain covers...

[@sirrick59]

I never ever owned an alfa myself either. But, I know exactly what you mean when describing cars that make you love every time you get behind the wheel. Current car is a 20 year old VW Passat GX wagon - 2.8 30-valve V6 with 4motion.. I've had her for almost 7 years now, and still love looking at when parked, and taking her out for a real drive. She is just so lovely to be behind the steering wheel with. She only has 190 hp; but hey, when I pull out of the lane to pass a truck doing 90 kph; she's doing 160 kph - -or more when I get past the truck cab. The torque is way better than anybody would expect, looking at the HP rating.

[@MarkCup70]

I've recently done exactly as you suggest, sold my M140i and put myself in a 2.7 Cayman. I now have hydraulic steering full of feel, and a wonderful sharp NA throttle response. Couldn't be happier! Keep up the good work 👍

[@Number27]

Great moveC those Caymans are amazing things!!

[@Brera011]

Driving an Alfa is always so much fun. Loved the GT a lot, fitted me like a glove and never let me down.

[@paultomlinson5289]

Good evening Number 27, As always, an interesting review... Ps. Was that a silver 930 Turbo at 8:07 driving towards you? 👍

[@sydbarrett7579]

What a beauty she is 😍

[@imouse3246]

Hooligan? Nah. There's driving fast and driving quickly. IMO

[@zalgradis2987]

Fantastic buy, and well done for looking after it. Anything sporting a Busso is magical, and tends to balance out some of the GTA's shortcomings (*cough* turning circle)

[@kipsome45]

One word: Soul.

[@benmarshall787]

Great video jack, top gear awaits of you carry on! Agree with your comments entirely. Perhaps beemer should have had one of those "Birds" perf kit added to susp and a mechanical slp diff? Focus RS mk 1 looks just as fab as alfa.

[@spencerbarratt7421]

I agree with you on the modern car feeling, I ordered a ST250 from the factory, and whilst it was a very capable car, I grew bored of it after 1 year and sold it at the end of the 2nd year. Got straight back in my 1998 106 Rallye... Have you tried a 147 GTA on standard dampers and springs? If the ride is so bad, it does indicate a change of dampers may improve that..

[@palatinaworks7251]

Hi Jack! Just wanted to let you know something you might be aware already for a long time. You have a talent or gift that people really like watching your videos. You have fun and enjoy what you are doing. You completely capture the attention of your audience and it never gets boring. Your vids don't sound scripted like on so many other channels which are much larger. Thanks for your videos and best wishes from Taiwan

[@Number27]

Hey buddy, great to hear from you and that you once again for the compliments!! Take care and my best to 🇹🇼!!

[@bobmcl2406]

Perfection rarely incorporates soul.

[@italianjob-vx6hp]

For the GTA, You can improve the ride for both front seats , by mounting them on sorbothane mounts.

[@delahayenator]

Dont mount coilovers, just better progressive shocks. The standard springs are quite ok. The shocks Alfa puts in their cars are way too soft. Thicker swaybar helps a lot and a strutbrace makes the front more sturdy without losing comfort and grip.Works on 156 and GTV like a charm. Coilovers are nice on a track, but most roads, not so much.

[@czu1]

@@delahayenator which shocks do you recommend to use with standard springs?

[@delahayenator]

@@czu1 eibach or koni worked for me. Eibach.. meaning to say bilstein actually

[@johnireland1629]

Another excel video. I felt the same way about my 2017 Alfa Giulia as you do about the BMW. On one level I loved the Giulia (2 liter) and it was an excellent automatic gearbox with Dynamic mode and fast steering and excellent balance...but it was just lacking in feeling really connected. Going back to a 2001 911 with manual trans has made every time I get in the car a pleasure...even when not driving fast...I am totally involved with the car, I can feel everything.

[@matthewbell1968]

Really interesting comparison thanks Jack

[@tomrigden4935]

Nailed it Jack. I had the m135i and kept it for 3 months. It just felt so boring most of the time (auto anyway). Had non adaptives and ride was awful too. I now have a 2005 Bmw 130i and it’s so much more fun. Loads more feel, normally aspirated noises and a great chassis (upgraded suspension). I do hammer it everywhere as well! It would make an interesting comparison to your 147 - Jayemm has one I think. Better chassis but engine not quite as exciting as the busso I would imagine.

[@paoloa.9193]

Alfa is Passione. 🇮🇹❤️🏁

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I’d take an Alfa over a Bee Emm any day (and I’ve had 3 BMWs) - I’m also on my third Alfa! They’re better to drive, much better looking, and have bags and bags of character, and the interiors are head and shoulders better in terms of ambience. Ok, so the Alfas have their foibles - mine rattles a bit, and a couple of things sometimes work, but after several German cars, including Audis and a Merc, I love my little Giulietta!

[@gianni710]

More Videos of Alfa Cars , its passion 🇮🇹❤️

[@Number27]

Grazie e un saluto a Napoli!!

[@gianni710]

@@Number27 vivo in Germania , un saluto 👍🏽

[@peterv3642]

I recently gave back a leased 2018 BMW 120i M-Sport - great car but don't miss it. I'm now driving a 916-series GTV 3.0 24V which is just SOOOO much more enjoyable.

[@antonrocchi256]

Jack, as a true Alfisti, I salute you... I have a 156gta and a 4C, they are chalk and cheese and as you quite surely mentioned, you cannot help but drive them on the red line.... Thanks for the vid’s, most enjoyable, Cheers 🤟

[@shahjahaAn]

Exactly my point. I enjoyed the golf r32 mk4 over my previous FL a45 amg.

[@GarageTherapyOfficial]

Hi Jack, Not all after market suspension setups are made equal. It could be that the coilover set you have is on the cheaper/harsher side of the spectrum.

[@psircos]

This is the stark truth! Anyone wishing to spec up the suspension, only needs to speak to Ned or Dan at autolusso North or South. They have much knowledge of what works and what doesn't so much. You don't always have to spend a fortune but there are ciilovers out there that are tried and tested and, there are others to avoid like the plague!

[@thierryhimself2796]

Great review man! I'm pretty there are already similar video where enthousiam and life are felt with an M135i, and remote-driving feeling is held by some electric car. Sigh.... +subed (This 147 gta is such a beauty. Dreamt of it, woke up as a bimmer guy)

[@Number27]

Thanks Thierry!!

[@turbole1]

Hi Number27, enjoying your videos I have owned many GTA`s in the past so lovely to see videos on them now, I think you should be comparing to something of a similar era from BMW like 325ti compact or a 130i this would make a good video and be good to see the comparison, I am considering a M140i maybe manual is way to go, like you I enjoy the way older cars drive currently owning 2 E46s finding it hard to get something newer.

[@samcourt6228]

The comparison with a 130 (pre LCI with hydraulic steering In particular) would be an interesting one. The N52 is a fabulous engine in my opinion.

[@jasonlindsay6093]

Great video "applause"! I had a 156 V6 with the 2.5 litre engine and the Busso made another flawed Alfa so memorable. The noise, and how quickly it revved up made it unforgettable. It went through top front suspension mounts as quick as tyres but all forgiven. Enjoy the GTA, there will be never be another affordable Italian V6 like it again.

[@chrisstephens6194]

Me too fella my favourite ever car loved the noise. Surprisingly reliable also

[@forzaOM11]

Thank you for the video! I have owned both and agree with what you say. Have you considered installing a LSD on your GTA? Worked perfectly on mine

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

Totally agree with you,driven that Alfa and the v6 is just great everything you said it was.Reliability though not so great.Went out in my cousins c63 amp the other day,masses of power and totally being driven by the car,you are just a pilot.Stay safe 😉

[@Painkiler99]

I recommend driving 2.5 or 3.0 24V versions, they're even different in feel because of even more over square stroke ratio, they have less torque than 3.2 but revs and want to rev better in my opinion.

[@_Mark_H]

Your facial expressions in the Alfa speak a thousand words. Teeth gritted and a face of determination - you feel part of the car, the experience. The Beemer is engineered to be quick but with no soul. I drive a 2003 Impreza Wagon with just under 300bhp, it’s not fancy it’s not full of gadgets, but it’s analog, it’s raw and the engine note and flat four burble that howls as the revs rise makes driving it phenomenal. I have 4WD and ABS but that’s it everything else is down to my inputs to the car and that connects you and that’s why I’ve kept it for so long. Yes I can go out and buy a Golf R tomorrow if I wanted to but the Subaru is amazing to drive and that is what you have with the Alfa. It’s the whole package in a raw form - enjoy it, cars like that are a rare breed! Great video 👍🏼

[@manuelfernandes2335]

I just got my first car 2 weeks ago! An Alfa Romeo 147 1.6 twinspark with 120hp😂 I'm loving every second of driving it, pretty quick for a 1.6 and has a beautiful sound. One day I'll own a 147 GTA!!

[@BojanBojovic]

Brilliant video! It shows how a flawed vehicle can be a brilliant car.

[@adamcinematic9499]

what a great compare. Many thanks for sharing

[@AlfaGTA156]

I really can’t understand why the ride in your GTA is so harsh even with 17” rims with a 45 profile🤔. I had stock suspension on my GTA which I found a bit soft at the front. I changed to novitec coilovers ( which I bought 2nd hand for £350 in mint condition£ and at the same time went to 18inch rims wrapped in Avons zv5s. It absolutely transformed the car and was worried it would be very crashy and harsh with the lower profile ‘40s’. But no, it’s firm but rides the bumps well and has made the steering so direct; it makes you want to push the car more through the corners. It’s such a joy to drive. I only dropped the ride height 15mm from stock which seems to be that sweet spot. I’ve polybushed the rear arms, upper wishbones and replaced the lower arms with oem wishbones. Also installed the eibach front and rear eibach arb which is probably one of the best upgrades/ improvements to the gta. And finished with a 4 wheel alignment which is must when refitting suspension and lowering the car. you need sort out your suspension, as I can see it’s has been niggling you since you bought it. What coilovers do you have fitted which yourself have said seems very harsh?

[@sharpcsc998]

Great sound and fair review, well done.

[@Number27]

Thanks!!

[@newbieD]

Get the KW V3, firm and compliant ride! Have it on my 156, awesome.

[@Yosemite_Sam]

I have a Z3 and an Alfa 916 Spider. The BMW is better built with a six but the Alfa is hands down way more fun to drive. It feels super responsive and has less weight. The Z3 has traction control you can't turn off completely whereas the Alfa will. I do all the work on both. They both are just nuts and bolts so working on them just needs some experience. Thank God for KZbin videos.

[@benfrancis4896]

Completely understand what you're saying. People always knock Alfas, will tell you it's rubbish, it'll rust, breakdown etc. and you can always tell those people have just bought into what they saw on the internet and never actually had one. I've had pretty much every Alfa since the GTV at one stage or another, inc. a GTA. Currently I drive an S6 (4.2). My brother even has an M140i, so I understand the comparison you make. As a tool for going places quickly and easily the German machines are perfect tools for the job. Still, nothing will beat the feeling and smile you get from strapping in to a little red Alfa and going for a proper drive. You can't really explain it, or at least I can't, but I know you can't beat it. My weekend toy, by the way, a MiTo 155. Yep, I still keep a little red rocket in the stable for when I fancy making my fizzy tingle and having a smile. Great video, thanks.

[@alenseven11]

I really love my 147 GTA, so much soul and character in it. Just simply amazing and beautiful, I still get goosebumps when I see it and drive it. And, 147 GTA has 1.7 turns lock to lock, although a limited lock due to engine size to be honest, but a really quick rack if in good shape.

[@andrewgurney6019]

You gotta wear those flo gloves and the PJ's, amazing combination. You and Jayemm should do a fashion colab'

[@Number27]

You’re clearly a man of taste!! Yes, me and JayEmm would set the fashion world on fire!!

[@Flat6_911]

I can see you both on the catwalk now!

[@angi733]

I always thought maybe the Busso was over hyped until I owned one. I bought a 2001 3.0 24V spider which although on paper crap has been just so much fun for the money. The engine is amazing, pulls so smoothly from 1500rpm yet revs with vigour to 7000rpm and sounds amazing with a Wizard Exhaust. I had a M135i and now run a Giulia Quadrifoglio and Z3M coupe and 60's Giulia, yet the spider still feels special and fun, especially for about £5K! I liked my M135i but it was best after Birds Mods, ARB and LSD etc. Did you ever have any weird moments where the sound symphoser thing stops working briefly in the BMW?

[@mattbettany1174]

Just a slight correction, the Busso was developed for the Alfa 6 in 2 ltr guise then 2.5 in the GTV6 later

[@jonetto]

actually 2.5 and later 2.0 for italian market but yeah...

[@mattbettany1174]

@@jonetto oh yeah that’s right for the 2 ltr tax in Italy , I had it in my head the 2.0 came before the 2.5 but obviously not

[@dickbrouwers8687]

On carbs. 6 of them :)

[@mattbettany1174]

@@dickbrouwers8687 😁

[@GTFour]

KW V2 coilovers always seem to make everything handle amazingly and still ride superbly. I know you no longer have the Alfa but that could have been the fix.

[@mikeroz6549]

Jack, watch your video over again, I can't believe how much your seat bounces around. Surely that in itself can't help the ride experience.

[@organiccold]

They are like that, odd enough you dont notice that much

[@seancain7305]

Nice one Jack, up I agree with you, your GTA Alfa is the one you'd wake up early O' clock to drive. BTW I think you'll find the V6 engine started in the Alfa 6 saloon 1st, not the GTV ;-)

[@964tractorboy]

The Alfa seats don't look very solid. The backs seem to flex quite a bit. Any plans to change them?

[@scottyp1348]

Put extra pressure in the front tyres to lessen the torque steer?

[@OldTwitTalksCars]

Great video. Couldn't agree more. I had the latest BMW 330i for a year. Fast, comfortable, accomplished...........dull as diluted ditch water. Now have a Citroen C6 and and MG ZT V6. Couldn't be happier. Defo an Alfa in my future too. My sense is that BMW build cars that they think you will want to drive.......and Alfa build cars that they like to drive so others will too.

[@pereldh5741]

Re the torquesteer, bought the OMP Alfa 155 brace yet?

[@nsxsennaforever]

The strange thing is that almost any Alfa is impossble not to love after you have driven one. I miss my SZ with 3,5 Savali a lot. They really get under your skin. BMW are wonderful and capable cars, but after the e46 M3 they build cars that are a little "meeh" for real drivers. Flattening the amateur making him think he is brilliant behind the wheel. Most frontwheel drive Alfas are very flawed, but saved by the V6 Busso. My main issue with the M 135 is that the roll center feels high when you are going for it. It feels like a shopping trolley. It is the gizmos that save you when you are really going hard. I would however compare the 147 gta with the BMW e46 M3, then even I - a hard core Alfa fan - would head for the Beemer camp. The e46 M3 in manual. Ohhh that is a good car. Bone stock not boy racer modifed (a CSL airbox and CSL chassis mods are OK). The e46 M3 is what Alfa should have build in 2003. The new Giulia QV though, the Beemers are not even close even now. That car is just fantastic. I like both brands but will always love Alfa. Maybe it is the underdog thing?

[@xTrinitrotoluen]

Alfa should have made 147/156 GTA more competitive to E46 M3. But the worst thing about Alfa is that they stopped to make transaxle cars at all. If i had SZ (and especially Savali) i'd never sell it.

[@nsxsennaforever]

@@xTrinitrotoluen well life sometimes gets in the way and you sell things to survive. However, selling things creates new possibilities. I would never own an Alpine A110 (the old one) if I did not change cars from time to time. But the SZ with Savali was a dream. It really did 270 km/h and that is pretty badass for a 3,5.

[@AlfaGrale]

This review is very very interesting. This is not just a comparison of the 135 and the GTA, it’s a comparison of two different driving eras. The 147 GTA , I believe, represents an era where you could still buy cars that made the driver actually involved in driving. A car that could give all that feedback from the road and the car to the driver. Then that era ended and another one begun in which “Health&Safety” took over.... and that isolated the driver from all that feedback ad ruined all that driving fun.

[@organiccold]

In my ex 147 i had factory shocks but Eibach coils and anti roll bars. But what changed the car was the front lower bars and top strut bars in front and rear. With that you dont need coil overs as you can use normal shocks what does a big diference. Specialy in the rear as the car is short makes him a bit jumpy in the rear.