Curb Zone - View Single Post - Edmunds Inside Line

Imhotep Evil · 06-22-2007, 04:42 AM

Conclusion:

But the Alfa Romeo Spider is nothing like the Nissan 350Z roadster that it resembles in specification, so hard-core enthusiasts should look elsewhere.

Perhaps Alfa has spent too much time trying to come up with a shape that can rival the Audi TT roadster and BMW Z4, when it should have focused a little more on driving performance. Even the shift action of the six-speed manual transmission feels slightly clunky (an automatic transmission is optional), and the brakes could stand more initial bite and more feel. You will enjoy being in the Alfa for the sound and the style, but not for the speed.
...
Let's get straight to the point. The Spider is not a sports car — not even close. This car is half as stiff as the Brera coupe, and on any road surface that's less than perfect, it shakes like an alcoholic in rehab. You can feel it through the steering wheel, through the seats and even through the trim. We'll admit that the Spider feels better than a touring sort of car like the Volvo C70, but it's not good enough for a sports car.
...
Objectively speaking, this car is not a match for the BMW Z4 or the Nissan 350Z, yet it has more panache than both. The 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider is a car that you will either dismiss out of hand as a triumph of style over substance, or fall in love with, warts and all.

When will we see a real Alfa ?!
That once great driver's car competing with BMW and/or Porsche.
Another FWD-AWD Fiat with pretty cloth.

06-22-2007, 04:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Imhotep Evil Devotee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,891 Thanks: 251 Thanked 151 Times in 114 Posts	Re: Edmunds Inside Line - First Drive: 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider Conclusion: But the Alfa Romeo Spider is nothing like the Nissan 350Z roadster that it resembles in specification, so hard-core enthusiasts should look elsewhere. Perhaps Alfa has spent too much time trying to come up with a shape that can rival the Audi TT roadster and BMW Z4, when it should have focused a little more on driving performance. Even the shift action of the six-speed manual transmission feels slightly clunky (an automatic transmission is optional), and the brakes could stand more initial bite and more feel. You will enjoy being in the Alfa for the sound and the style, but not for the speed. ... Let's get straight to the point. The Spider is not a sports car — not even close. This car is half as stiff as the Brera coupe, and on any road surface that's less than perfect, it shakes like an alcoholic in rehab. You can feel it through the steering wheel, through the seats and even through the trim. We'll admit that the Spider feels better than a touring sort of car like the Volvo C70, but it's not good enough for a sports car. ... Objectively speaking, this car is not a match for the BMW Z4 or the Nissan 350Z, yet it has more panache than both. The 2007 Alfa Romeo Spider is a car that you will either dismiss out of hand as a triumph of style over substance, or fall in love with, warts and all. When will we see a real Alfa ?! That once great driver's car competing with BMW and/or Porsche. Another FWD-AWD Fiat with pretty cloth.