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.
4c vs Cayman
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MalxB
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Great , we are back on the topic 'cars'. Thanks guys
After having read the following (or previous) two pages of comments, I think I will add my two bits worth.
First off, I enjoyed reading the varied comments and agree with most. I especially like what MalxB had to say. Very well said.
The main reason the 4C gets compared to the Cayman is because that's what Alfa Romeo compared it to in the very beginning. Truth be told, the 4C is closer to the Lotus Exige than any other car, and even that is not a fair comparison.
Me personally, the Alfa Romeo 4C is the first car in decades that has grabbed my attention like this. The best part is that I can afford to buy one. For the same money, I would rather have a Lotus than a Porsche. If I was to get a Porsche, it would probably be a 356 (1960 or so). I don't offer any disrespect to other cars or people, this is simply what works for me.
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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
djwang. Not trying to offend Porsche drivers.
Sorry to offend or risk offending. I was actually asking an honest question based on a comment that I have seen a couple of times in this forum, but was a bit surprise about -- perhaps "stereotype" was the wrong word.
It would be one thing to say "those buying a Ghibli (since Maserati was brought up in another example) are very different from those buying a 4c", but I was surprised by the comment those looking at the cayman vs. the 4c would be "different". I'm just trying to figure out from an enthusiast, occasional track day type person, etc. point of view, what characteristics might sway a person one way or another - esp since I am considering both as realistic options (along with the F-type coupe) (and I don't have multiple personality disorder
).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.
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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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I agree with deppi0. My 4c will be used 90% on driving just for pleasure on A and B roads in the North of Scotland. Maybe some track time at Knockhill or somewhere if I feel I can't wring its neck on the road. It will be a "weekend" car (someone mentioned high days and holidays), or at least nothing like a daily driver (which will be a BMW M sport). If I needed a daily driver to park up in work car parks, supermarkets etc it wouldn't be this.
No offence taken of course djwang. Only you can decide what your needs are, but the Jag, Porsche and Alfa are 3 very different cars. All are nice, all are fast. My own order of preference would be Alfa, Porsche, Jag. But if I was only running one car, I couldn't run a 4c.
No offence taken of course djwang. Only you can decide what your needs are, but the Jag, Porsche and Alfa are 3 very different cars. All are nice, all are fast. My own order of preference would be Alfa, Porsche, Jag. But if I was only running one car, I couldn't run a 4c.
The 4C is a "purist's" sports car. The Datsun 240Z and Lotus are as well. Other than the Lotus, I don't know of any other "new" cars that are "pure" (no frills, no creature comforts).
The 4C is coupe, as is the Lotus, Cayman, Boxter and a few others. Most, including the BRZ have a jump seat and are NOT a true coupe even though they are advertised as a coupe.
Now, lets compare fuel consumption.
The 4C claims 40 MPG. Few cars can make that claim. Geo Metro. Toyota Prius... Not what I would call fun cars.
Porsche, Jag, Corvette... 30 MPG or less.
Fun cars. There are plenty that that would make fun daily driver and most would probably be a better choice when stuck in stop-and-go traffic for an hour. But that doesn't mean I want one of those.
Race car for the track. The clubs and groups that do true "racing" in my area require a full 6-point roll cage as well as other safety equipment installed into the car. The 4C might be difficult to modify in this sense. All "race-cars" become difficult to get in and out of. The numbers and such attract the attention of police, as if certain cars don't get enough attention.
So, what does a person want, and what compromises are they willing to make?
I'm getting a 4C as a daily driver, primarily. I will track it, but not in "race" class. I already have a dedicated 240Z for that.
The 4C is coupe, as is the Lotus, Cayman, Boxter and a few others. Most, including the BRZ have a jump seat and are NOT a true coupe even though they are advertised as a coupe.
Now, lets compare fuel consumption.
The 4C claims 40 MPG. Few cars can make that claim. Geo Metro. Toyota Prius... Not what I would call fun cars.
Porsche, Jag, Corvette... 30 MPG or less.
Fun cars. There are plenty that that would make fun daily driver and most would probably be a better choice when stuck in stop-and-go traffic for an hour. But that doesn't mean I want one of those.
Race car for the track. The clubs and groups that do true "racing" in my area require a full 6-point roll cage as well as other safety equipment installed into the car. The 4C might be difficult to modify in this sense. All "race-cars" become difficult to get in and out of. The numbers and such attract the attention of police, as if certain cars don't get enough attention.
So, what does a person want, and what compromises are they willing to make?
I'm getting a 4C as a daily driver, primarily. I will track it, but not in "race" class. I already have a dedicated 240Z for that.
Talking about fuel consumption, my Gallardo SE does about 5-6 mpg driven flat out. I'm confident the 4C will be a marked improvement in that specific area.
Still, I haven't forgotten my old 155 Q4, that car showed a spectacular appetite for fuel when driven in a spirited manner.
Still, I haven't forgotten my old 155 Q4, that car showed a spectacular appetite for fuel when driven in a spirited manner.
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Way better than vrrrroooooommmm
For more inspiration check the 'Michel Vaillant' comics! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Vaillant
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Sounds to me like you have a new hit! Just add a beat
Actually, the authentic writeup for cruising, dropping a gear and flooring it in a 4C would be something like : budbudbud-click-clunk-hiiissssschooOO0AAArpsch
Never heard quite a mechanical orchestra like it in a car before ;-)
(are you a professional comic book writer?)
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almost sounds like me drinking a trappist (except for the budbudbud)
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