Alfa Romeo Forum - View Single Post

Jonathan · 02-05-2008

I haven't owned, but have driven and worked on MGBs, so some points of comparison:

- fuel consumption sounds about right. I think in miles per gallon, and get 25 to 30 from a 1750 alfa (spider)

- how often you breakdown is going to depend on how well sorted and mainteined the car is. A well maintained Alfa will be similarly reliable to a well maintained MGB. They are not inherently unreliable cars.

- They stay in tune. the webers (or dellortos) are mounted on rubber mounts with a support bar, and do not suffer the vibration related causes that mena that many cars fitted with aftermarket webers do to need regular set ups. So you will need to check reset the ignition just as you would on an MG, and tune the webers just as often as you do the SUs on an MG. Set them up properly and they are not temperamental.

- older Alfas often have worn synchro on 2nd gear, which you can drive around, either by slower changes, or heel and toe change if in a hurry. Mine does. The clutch is fine.

- Heat soak into the passenger area is not a problem

- Cooling is no problem. Less so than on comtemporary British cars in my experience. Obviously it needs to be in good condition. If it is then it will be fine in hot climates.

- General note, and Alfa was a more expensive and advanced car when new than a comtemporary MG. (Twin cam, 4 wheel disc brakes, 5 speed box, more advanced suspension). This shows in the driving experience.

- The Alfa needs to be maintianed carefully, the engine is alloy, not cast iron, and needs more care in assembly (use a torque wrench). The MG engine will stand more abuse and dare I say it incompetence at the hands of mechanics.

- Fixing a rusted Alfa properly will cost more than a contemporay MG. The shell is complex (especially the sills). So buy carefully.

- Parts availability is good, but not as extensive as MGs, where you can buy everylast piece very easily (including a new body shell).

I like MGs, but the Alfa is a better car in my opinion, and so it should have been at twice the price when new.

Jonathan

02-05-2008	#3 (Post Link)
Jonathan Newbie Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: zurich Posts: 11 Member car: 1750 Veloce Spider	Re: your own experience I haven't owned, but have driven and worked on MGBs, so some points of comparison: - fuel consumption sounds about right. I think in miles per gallon, and get 25 to 30 from a 1750 alfa (spider) - how often you breakdown is going to depend on how well sorted and mainteined the car is. A well maintained Alfa will be similarly reliable to a well maintained MGB. They are not inherently unreliable cars. - They stay in tune. the webers (or dellortos) are mounted on rubber mounts with a support bar, and do not suffer the vibration related causes that mena that many cars fitted with aftermarket webers do to need regular set ups. So you will need to check reset the ignition just as you would on an MG, and tune the webers just as often as you do the SUs on an MG. Set them up properly and they are not temperamental. - older Alfas often have worn synchro on 2nd gear, which you can drive around, either by slower changes, or heel and toe change if in a hurry. Mine does. The clutch is fine. - Heat soak into the passenger area is not a problem - Cooling is no problem. Less so than on comtemporary British cars in my experience. Obviously it needs to be in good condition. If it is then it will be fine in hot climates. - General note, and Alfa was a more expensive and advanced car when new than a comtemporary MG. (Twin cam, 4 wheel disc brakes, 5 speed box, more advanced suspension). This shows in the driving experience. - The Alfa needs to be maintianed carefully, the engine is alloy, not cast iron, and needs more care in assembly (use a torque wrench). The MG engine will stand more abuse and dare I say it incompetence at the hands of mechanics. - Fixing a rusted Alfa properly will cost more than a contemporay MG. The shell is complex (especially the sills). So buy carefully. - Parts availability is good, but not as extensive as MGs, where you can buy everylast piece very easily (including a new body shell). I like MGs, but the Alfa is a better car in my opinion, and so it should have been at twice the price when new. Jonathan