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      04-12-2017, 03:34 PM   #1
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BMW M2 or Alfa Romeo 4C?

I love my M2, but I have been thinking on getting possible selling it and getting a more exotic car that is not a Lambo Gallardo (they are like the Corollas of the exotic world at this stage) and that aren't as common on the streets (Yes, the M2's are rare at the moment). I love the M2, but I feel I want something more raw. I am a fan of the Lotus cars, but the newer ones like the New Exige are quite pricey.

So I have been thinking that if I were to rid of the M2, it would be either an Evora S or a Alfa Romeo 4C which I can find for not crazy money. Anyone here have any experience driving them and how they compare to the M2?

Ultimately I haven't made up my mind as the M2 is great I could as well keep it.
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      04-12-2017, 03:43 PM   #2
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https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/s...meo-4c-spider/
http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1303719
http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1190458
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      04-12-2017, 03:44 PM   #3
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Love the 4c, but I really love me some Lotus Exige S... And the 240 and 260 I think that's them.
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      04-12-2017, 03:49 PM   #4
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It really depends on how you plan to use the car, and how often you will drive it.

I had a 981 CS for ~2 years, which probably splits the difference between an M2 and 4C in terms of "rawness" - the 981 was my DD and I loved it...but it also didn't provide very much utility or practicality. Or comfort on longer, less-spirited drives.

If you have a 3rd garage bay, and want to drive it a few times a week and always for fun, then I think a very raw car is absolutely justifiable. If you are going to be sitting in traffic in your DD, things like power steering (non-existent in the 4C) are going to be missed.

Both are good choices - just depends on which one fits you and your situation best.
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      04-12-2017, 03:55 PM   #5
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4C is stupid, way heavier than an elise, automatic only, 2x the price and in my opinion ugly.
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      04-12-2017, 04:04 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
It really depends on how you plan to use the car, and how often you will drive it.

I had a 981 CS for ~2 years, which probably splits the difference between an M2 and 4C in terms of "rawness" - the 981 was my DD and I loved it...but it also didn't provide very much utility or practicality. Or comfort on longer, less-spirited drives.

If you have a 3rd garage bay, and want to drive it a few times a week and always for fun, then I think a very raw car is absolutely justifiable. If you are going to be sitting in traffic in your DD, things like power steering (non-existent in the 4C) are going to be missed.

Both are good choices - just depends on which one fits you and your situation best.
Yup, it would be a weekend toy basically. Not having power steering is one of the things I like!
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      04-12-2017, 04:45 PM   #7
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As a formerly long-suffering Alfisti in remission I offer the only sane advice I can about this marque from Dee Pee's Rules of Life:
9. Driving an Italian car is like dating a stripper: 10% fun and enjoying the envy of others; 90% lamenting the cost, maintenance, and tendency towards explosive drama.

I have driven a 1M as my DD for the past 6 years. I almost bought a 4C but it reminded me too much of my GTV6 and when an Elise was in the running. The sills are too wide, the layout too schizophrenic, it lacks any sort of driver comfort, the visibility both inside and to other drivers is poor, there's no dealer support network, and while it can engage you for periods of time the cost weighs heavily in both physical and financial terms. A 4C is totally unsuitable as a DD unless you're a total hardcore IMHO.
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      04-12-2017, 05:02 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dee Pee View Post
As a formerly long-suffering Alfisti in remission I offer the only sane advice I can about this marque from Dee Pee's Rules of Life:
9. Driving an Italian car is like dating a stripper: 10% fun and enjoying the envy of others; 90% lamenting the cost, maintenance, and tendency towards explosive drama.
Alfa Romeo:
Alfie: "ln every doomed relationship, there comes what l like to call «The Uh-Oh Moment». When a certain little something happens, and you know you've just witnessed the beginning of the end. And suddenIy you stop and you think: «Uh-oh, iceberg ahead.»''
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      04-12-2017, 10:37 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dee Pee View Post
As a formerly long-suffering Alfisti in remission I offer the only sane advice I can about this marque from Dee Pee's Rules of Life:
9. Driving an Italian car is like dating a stripper: 10% fun and enjoying the envy of others; 90% lamenting the cost, maintenance, and tendency towards explosive drama.

I have driven a 1M as my DD for the past 6 years. I almost bought a 4C but it reminded me too much of my GTV6 and when an Elise was in the running. The sills are too wide, the layout too schizophrenic, it lacks any sort of driver comfort, the visibility both inside and to other drivers is poor, there's no dealer support network, and while it can engage you for periods of time the cost weighs heavily in both physical and financial terms. A 4C is totally unsuitable as a DD unless you're a total hardcore IMHO.
Interesting point. Will keep it in mind
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      04-13-2017, 01:50 AM   #10
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The 4C is a track toy. The Evora is something you could actually drive around normal roads on weekends, or even daily if you wanted to try.
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      04-13-2017, 01:50 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dee Pee View Post
As a formerly long-suffering Alfisti in remission I offer the only sane advice I can about this marque from Dee Pee's Rules of Life:
9. Driving an Italian car is like dating a stripper: 10% fun and enjoying the envy of others; 90% lamenting the cost, maintenance, and tendency towards explosive drama.
Great analogy. I am so curious how the Giulia will do. It looks like such a great car (minus lack of manual) but I can just imagine the explosive drama it may engender.
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      04-13-2017, 02:35 AM   #12
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I have a friend that has got an 4C (EU spec +-120kg lighter than the US spec) since 2013 with more than 50k miles (15% used on track) and he is fully satisfied with never any issues.

I'm quite sure that the 4C (probably end of production 2017) will become soon a real collection car that will increase a lot its value.
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      04-13-2017, 04:32 AM   #13
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Cannot wait to get my M2 and I'm sure it will the best fit for me amongst currently available cars. If the Evora S wasn't almost double the price (as it is in our market), or if I could justify the impracticality of the Exige S, I'd not hesitate to grab a Lotus - next level as drivers cars, so tactile and wonderful chassis. M2 is a bit uncouth by comparison but loaded with character, thoroughly useable and great value.

4C? Only sat in one - lovely object, mixed reviews, and would need to be a pretty special drive to be chosen over an Exige.
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      04-13-2017, 09:01 AM   #14
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I had an Elise SC for about 6 years. It's still my favorite car to drive all time. Keep in mind that you can no longer get any new Elise/Exige in NA. Evora is far from being an Elixige, but it is more comfortable and some what practical. I like the 4C a lot, and I didn't mind the transmission either. Feels very similar to the Lotus...



Some of my track buddies created this video.

As for why I switched to an M2, having a DD (Abarth) while keeping the Lotus didn't really make any sense for me. Especially with the insurance being that crazy here in Canada. With 2 kids, I basically drove it less than 10 times, it worked out to be about $100 per drive last year. Hence I traded both in for an M2 and use it as my DD and track car. It is no where as fun as the Lotus, but it just made more sense financially.

If you don't need the back seats and have a second car, I say, go for it! The 4C is fun, good workout for the arms when you are parking. You will get a lot of looks no matter where you go, even next to a Lambo. Last but not least, make sure you are able to get in and out comfortably. Depending on your height and size, it could be tough and borderline painful getting in and out of a 4C.
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      04-14-2017, 07:23 AM   #15
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I'd stay away from 4c if it's my only car. it'd be my 3rd car that will sit most of the time.
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      04-14-2017, 10:48 AM   #16
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Quote:
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Driving an Italian car is like dating a stripper: 10% fun and enjoying the envy of others; 90% lamenting the cost, maintenance, and tendency towards explosive drama.
As the owner, rider, and sometimes pusher of a Moto Guzzi, I can say this extends to Italian bikes as well.
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      04-14-2017, 11:14 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3Si View Post
I had an Elise SC for about 6 years. It's still my favorite car to drive all time. Keep in mind that you can no longer get any new Elise/Exige in NA. Evora is far from being an Elixige, but it is more comfortable and some what practical. I like the 4C a lot, and I didn't mind the transmission either. Feels very similar to the Lotus...



Some of my track buddies created this video.

As for why I switched to an M2, having a DD (Abarth) while keeping the Lotus didn't really make any sense for me. Especially with the insurance being that crazy here in Canada. With 2 kids, I basically drove it less than 10 times, it worked out to be about $100 per drive last year. Hence I traded both in for an M2 and use it as my DD and track car. It is no where as fun as the Lotus, but it just made more sense financially.

If you don't need the back seats and have a second car, I say, go for it! The 4C is fun, good workout for the arms when you are parking. You will get a lot of looks no matter where you go, even next to a Lambo. Last but not least, make sure you are able to get in and out comfortably. Depending on your height and size, it could be tough and borderline painful getting in and out of a 4C.

Agree about the Elise. My brother still owns a SC 2005 Elise and quite fast at only 240HP. I am not tall or fat, so it shouldn't be that difficult to get in.
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      04-15-2017, 05:16 PM   #18
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I fell in love with the looks and idea of the Alfa. I went though to see one and while it is really cool it's very hard to get in/out of and is really lacking in creature comforts and general ergonomics. I didn't drive it but everything I've read about it says it's a great drive but don't think about taking one hand off the wheel let alone two.

Maybe a good second car purely for fun, but a very tough daily.
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      04-17-2017, 09:02 PM   #19
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I'm 6'4" and can drive a 4C, barely. (semi-auto transmission is the only reason it's possible.) Have to have the roof off and the top of my head sticks out a little; helmeted on a track I was able to lap it but if I had rolled the car somehow I probably would've snapped my neck.

The steering feel is sublime, and now I finally understand why people love mid-engined cars so much... but it could use like 50 more HP/torque.
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      06-22-2017, 12:27 AM   #20
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I own a 4C and a 1M and they are mutually exclusive as far as drivers. The 1M can be driven every day comfortably but the 4C is just a play car on nice days when I want to go for a drive. People are constantly taking pictures of the 4C. It is great fun to drive but if you purchase one you need to order the suspension shims from Alfa Works out of Great Britain. The shims completely settle the car so it doesn't track with grooves in the road. I put them on my car and the steering is rock solid and settled.
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      06-29-2018, 03:11 PM   #21
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Former 4C Owner

I just traded in my '15 4C for an M2 and I'm not totally sure I'm happy with the decision. I daily drove the 4C for three years, and admittedly, it could get tiresome. The M2 is way more comfortable and user friendly, but it honestly excites me a little more than maybe a V6 Accord. I had no real reliability issues with the 4C despite all the trash talk people make on Italian quality. The top things that broke the Alfa for me were:

1. Seat comfort is abysmal in a 4C. I have occasional sciatica and those seats were great for setting it ablaze.

2. The trunk design is not just small, but mind numbingly stupid in that there is no key fob button and no exterior release (even my manual key like the '80's).

3. The engine noise is fun on a comfortable sunny day with the windows open, but there are certain speeds/rpm's where your ears will start to ooze blood. That was even with an aftermarket exhaust with a resonator. Don't get me started on the factory race exhaust. The M2 is too quiet in my opinion and I plan on fixing that.

4. One really starts to long for modern car amenities such as touch entry and navigation. I did get the 4C's stereo to sound good after spending $1,300 on the stereo and jamming a subwoofer under the dash where normal cars have a glove box, but the factory stereo is abysmal. That mod did hurt passenger foot room, which is already in short supply though.

5. The paint quality was 1960's bad. I was not looking forward to respraying it.

Other than that, the 4C really is a glorious car and blast to drive under the right conditions. It almost got too much attention. I may buy another one some day when I have garage space for two cars.
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      06-29-2018, 05:23 PM   #22
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Well, if you think the M2 is around the level of a V6 Accord in driving excitement, then you haven't driven the M2 the way it was meant to be driven. Take the Accord on a track and see how it does in comparison, for example. The difference between FWD and RWD alone should make it an entirely different experience when you start turning the wheel at speed, on twisties or track...
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