Anyone else getting mildly annoyed by the 4c vs Cayman comparisons? To me they are different machines for different driver types. My 4c will be a weekend driver to put a big smile on my face round the roads of Northern Scotland. Probably will be driven mostly just for the fun of it, with not many real "journeys". So I don't need big squishy seats and a hi end stereo. I'll be listening to the car. And, Alfas just look much nicer and other people like them more. There will be more Caymans in Aberdeen than 4c's in the UK, so it will feel more special also.
MalxB
There really isn't another car to compare the 4C against. The Cayman and the Exige are the closest and not they're not that close really.
Agreed. It slightly pisses me off when UK car mags always come out in favor f the Porsche. Despite being nice cars, they are not really for the same people (and kind of "ten a penny" where I live). 
I wouldn't worry too much about the UK press to be honest. Actually to be honest I am reading as few comparisons as I can in general about cars in any magazine.
In the UK Lotus will always win....and Porsche as well.
Let's not forget that when the Lotus Evora was introduced a few years ago, the British press said it would effectively kill the Cayman..... ooops they got it wrong!
In the UK Lotus will always win....and Porsche as well.
Let's not forget that when the Lotus Evora was introduced a few years ago, the British press said it would effectively kill the Cayman..... ooops they got it wrong!
It wouldn't ever affect my choice. As someone else wrote (I think on here) the usual pattern is great initial reviews then poorer UK and longer term reviews. May come down to who's parties are best.
I remember being a boy in the eighties, reading how auto, motor und sport compared the 75 against a 3-series and even although the Alfa was better in every measurable way it "lost" the comparison because it missed the "laufkultur" and the window switches were in a ergonomically unsound place
Just saying that this nonsense is ageless and thank god tens of thousands of people have given it the middle finger.
Just saying that this nonsense is ageless and thank god tens of thousands of people have given it the middle finger.
Looking forward to the look on your face when we meet unintentionally on some random road around Aberdeen-I will be based north of Dundee
As to your comments I could not agree more if I tried I said ages ago that the rarity/fun of a 4C is what will be brilliant and there will be more Caymans in Stonehaven than 4Cs in Scotland
As to your comments I could not agree more if I tried I said ages ago that the rarity/fun of a 4C is what will be brilliant and there will be more Caymans in Stonehaven than 4Cs in Scotland
Without offending anyone I think it is a fair statement that the average Alfa Romeo sports car driver and average Porsche sports car driver are quite different... I know that most people who will buy a cayman won't see even 50℅ of its ability, yet talk about its capability to anyone who will listen. The 4C owner on the other hand will appreciate being in something special so much so that'll they'll endure its quirks. I also imagine that because of the Alfas lack of versatility, the people who one will use it the way it was designed to be used.
djwang. Not trying to offend Porsche drivers. . "Despite being nice cars, they are not really for the same people" is what you've picked out. First, I agree with most reviews that, if you are using it as your daily drive, the Porsche is potentially a better choice (more comfortable seats, nicer stereo, better sound insulation so less cabin noise from engine and tyres, more luggage and storage space. The 4c is more "extreme" (the opposite of all the advantages above) and harder work to drive around town / park etc. so the "stereotype" for the Porsche is someone who wants a fast, relatively luxurious, premium prestige car that drives well, is useable daily and also is generally better known as a "nice car". The 4c choice is a bit more left field (as are all Alfas but more so). It's possible to choose a Porsche (Cayman or otherwise) without knowing the full field of cars available to you and without being a car nut. There are lots of them and their dealers are very visible. Motoring press is unrelentingly positive about them. General public know them and perceive them as "top cars". You really need to have made a specific choice for the 4c against luxury rivals like Porsche, or even say Maserati, but also against other more extreme direct rivals like Lotus or even more extreme lightweight, open cars (Ariel, Radical etc). Also some people just wont put up with the hassle of less dealers, long wait, low volume output etc. i will see many Porsches on the school run, but I'll be surprised if. See another 4c. Hope that clears it up for you.
. "Despite being nice cars, they are not really for the same people" is what you've picked out. First, I agree with most reviews that, if you are using it as your daily drive, the Porsche is potentially a better choice (more comfortable seats, nicer stereo, better sound insulation so less cabin noise from engine and tyres, more luggage and storage space. The 4c is more "extreme" (the opposite of all the advantages above) and harder work to drive around town / park etc. so the "stereotype" for the Porsche is someone who wants a fast, relatively luxurious, premium prestige car that drives well, is useable daily and also is generally better known as a "nice car". The 4c choice is a bit more left field (as are all Alfas but more so). It's possible to choose a Porsche (Cayman or otherwise) without knowing the full field of cars available to you and without being a car nut. There are lots of them and their dealers are very visible. Motoring press is unrelentingly positive about them. General public know them and perceive them as "top cars". You really need to have made a specific choice for the 4c against luxury rivals like Porsche, or even say Maserati, but also against other more extreme direct rivals like Lotus or even more extreme lightweight, open cars (Ariel, Radical etc). Also some people just wont put up with the hassle of less dealers, long wait, low volume output etc. i will see many Porsches on the school run, but I'll be surprised if. See another 4c. Hope that clears it up for you.
Trappist. Agreed. Peace, love and understanding. And I'm sure djwang agrees. Hope the above clarifies my point is not dissing Porsche drivers. In fact, I'm trying desperately to persuade one of my workmates to buy a new Porsche (not a Cayman, he already has one) that he has been coveting for a while, with swap drives in mind, so the cars are awesome and I would not turn one down. Just personal choice. You pays your money and.....
If you're lucky enough to have enough money, you don't have to be schizophrenic.
But lots of people won't be well enough off to have both.
I have an old Alfa GTV that brings a lot of pleasure even though I take a mobile phone with me every time in case it breaks down. I also have a BMW M sport which is a nice drive and has those luxurious touches the family need. And my 4c is on order.
If you read what I've actually written I think you'll find there is really no need to get worked up about it. I never at any point mentioned stereotypes, the discussion is open and even handed and I acknowledge they are fantastic cars. My original point was really about the unrelenting support for Porsche Cayman in the UK press, when in actual fact they will not be in direct competition at all. Alfa will sell every 4c they choose to make, and will be low volume. And....this s a 4c forum so you have to forgive a little bias.
But lots of people won't be well enough off to have both.
I have an old Alfa GTV that brings a lot of pleasure even though I take a mobile phone with me every time in case it breaks down. I also have a BMW M sport which is a nice drive and has those luxurious touches the family need. And my 4c is on order.
If you read what I've actually written I think you'll find there is really no need to get worked up about it. I never at any point mentioned stereotypes, the discussion is open and even handed and I acknowledge they are fantastic cars. My original point was really about the unrelenting support for Porsche Cayman in the UK press, when in actual fact they will not be in direct competition at all. Alfa will sell every 4c they choose to make, and will be low volume. And....this s a 4c forum so you have to forgive a little bias.
Maultier. Good stuff. Now 918, there s a beast, but well beyond my budget. . Saw Top Gear show for both the 918 and the P1. Awesome power and beauty for both. I'm sure I would crash in a nanosecond though.
. Saw Top Gear show for both the 918 and the P1. Awesome power and beauty for both. I'm sure I would crash in a nanosecond though.
I feel sorry for Porsche, compared to Lambo, Ferrari, McLaren and even Aston the styling of their supercar seems a bit boring - apart from the exhausts, granted. And apparently not as fast either.
Haven't seen much on the Ferrari yet. "LaFerrari"? Bit of a wa£&y name, but I'm sure I will be a top machine.
Thanks Racer Z. I was trying to stay the right side of respectful discussion. Don't know if I was 100% successful. . Too much childish argument stuff on other forums. This is the only one I'm currently a member of. Same for me by the way on the 4c grabbing my attention. If I hadn't bought this car it would have either been nothing or maybe an old Montreal as an alternative. That would've been a money pit though.
. Too much childish argument stuff on other forums. This is the only one I'm currently a member of. Same for me by the way on the 4c grabbing my attention. If I hadn't bought this car it would have either been nothing or maybe an old Montreal as an alternative. That would've been a money pit though.Enjoy the best and most interesting in depth review yet....not
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/new-cars/alfa-romeo-4c-interesting-car-i-wouldnt-want-live-one
http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/new-cars/alfa-romeo-4c-interesting-car-i-wouldnt-want-live-one
It would be good to introduce yourself if you don't mind...especially as you are coming up with some "difficult" questions only ;-)
Impossible to say which kind of person would buy or drive these or any other car imho.
What can be said though is that the 3 cars you are looking at are totally different.
The Alfa 4C is a weekend / trackday car although some people will also use it every day (me included)
The Cayman is one of the most effective mid engined cars for the money in the market whilst being also comfortable to drive as your only car, long trips, etc... It could be seen as too common in some countries and a little boring
The Jaguar although very fast is absolutely not a track day car. It is far too heavy for that although this doesn't mean that it cannot be done. It's a comfortable, fast good looking car that is more GT than the other 2.
I hope that helps in choosing....
What do you intend using the car for?
PS I almost bought a Cayman S but cancelled my order for a 4C as I wanted something more special and exciting as I will not use it too often and I would get bored of a Cayman pretty fast for its perfection.
Impossible to say which kind of person would buy or drive these or any other car imho.
What can be said though is that the 3 cars you are looking at are totally different.
The Alfa 4C is a weekend / trackday car although some people will also use it every day (me included)
The Cayman is one of the most effective mid engined cars for the money in the market whilst being also comfortable to drive as your only car, long trips, etc... It could be seen as too common in some countries and a little boring
The Jaguar although very fast is absolutely not a track day car. It is far too heavy for that although this doesn't mean that it cannot be done. It's a comfortable, fast good looking car that is more GT than the other 2.
I hope that helps in choosing....
What do you intend using the car for?
PS I almost bought a Cayman S but cancelled my order for a 4C as I wanted something more special and exciting as I will not use it too often and I would get bored of a Cayman pretty fast for its perfection.
Hi DjWang, that helps to answer your question.
Have a look at this tread:
http://4c-forums.com/27-usa/985-what-cars-did-you-considering.html
Other cars my schizophrenic mind considered are:
Mercedes CLA 45 AMG --> did not pursuit, since too common and looks just like the base model
Corvette --> again, cool car, great value for money, but as exclusive as a mini cooper and my heart just does not go out to it
Audi S5 --> I like the car, but the model is running its last year(s)
Jag F Type --> I would buy a Porsche instead, since I have always been a Porsche fan. But I do like the jag
If I can not get my hands on the 4C with the original lights I will go for one of the following options:
1. keep my money in the bank and continue to have fun with my Mini Cooper S convertible
2. Used Porsche 911 (2009-2011):
3. Boxster (2013): Still tempted, but I fear that I will regret, not buying a 911
4. M3/M4
How's that for not knowing what I want besides a 4C?
Have a look at this tread:
http://4c-forums.com/27-usa/985-what-cars-did-you-considering.html
Other cars my schizophrenic mind considered are:
Mercedes CLA 45 AMG --> did not pursuit, since too common and looks just like the base model
Corvette --> again, cool car, great value for money, but as exclusive as a mini cooper and my heart just does not go out to it
Audi S5 --> I like the car, but the model is running its last year(s)
Jag F Type --> I would buy a Porsche instead, since I have always been a Porsche fan. But I do like the jag
If I can not get my hands on the 4C with the original lights I will go for one of the following options:
1. keep my money in the bank and continue to have fun with my Mini Cooper S convertible
2. Used Porsche 911 (2009-2011):
3. Boxster (2013): Still tempted, but I fear that I will regret, not buying a 911
4. M3/M4
How's that for not knowing what I want besides a 4C?
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