2.0TS 16v OR 2.5 V6 12v

[K.Levyn]

Well the question is pretty obvious!
I'm looking at 2 Alfa 155s for the same price and both are well looked after.
There's a green 16V twin spark & a sky blue V6 2.5 .
Both have practically the same mileage(around 120k miles).
Which would be the better choice & why?

Thanks!

[wayne-dear]

The green twin spark, reason being, i have one..

[celadon]

Well the choice is yours

The 2.0 16v is better petrol-wise, and is very chuckable around corners.
You'll have to change cambelts every 3 years or 36,000 miles

The 2.5 V6 is all about the noise of the engine, still good cornering-wise, has more of a thirsty disposition.
Think the 12v is chain-driven, so no belt to change.

Check both of the cars for rust under the rear arches and boot, and floor areas.

[Pud237]

2.5 V6 12v is belt driven as well.

[alfa.chris]

Hi both are great cars check when belts were changed. I've got 2.0 16v as it needed work. But have worked on loads of 155's.
Good luck

[celadon]

Originally Posted by Pud237

2.5 V6 12v is belt driven as well.

Ok, cheers, couldn't remember if they did or not, it must be the 8v that was chain then ?

[Pud237]

Yeah the 8v was chain drive, trouble-free motoring

[K.Levyn]

so apparently both cars are belt driven,and if you don't mind me asking,how much does the belt change cost?(if it turns out to need changing)
and,what is the approx. fuel consumption of the 16v & the 12v?!
To be honest I want a car for daily commute,short distance & long distance driving but I want it to be immensely fun,more like bringing a smile anytime I drive it!
and well I'd like to take it to the track once in a couple of months or so!

[unquestioned]

Originally Posted by K.Levyn

so apparently both cars are belt driven,and if you don't mind me asking,how much does the belt change cost?(if it turns out to need changing)
and,what is the approx. fuel consumption of the 16v & the 12v?!
To be honest I want a car for daily commute,short distance & long distance driving but I want it to be immensely fun,more like bringing a smile anytime I drive it!
and well I'd like to take it to the track once in a couple of months or so!

Twinny needs a beltchage at 36k mile intervals, variator at twice that. With variator you are looking at £400 to have it done, without you'd be £250, maybe £300, depends where you go really.
The V6 I think has a 70k beltchange, again should cost you £250 to £300.

As for fuel, the V6 is quite thirsty if you drive it like you should but he twinny won't do much better since you the power is higher up the revs. Both would be fine for a daily commute. The V6 is a better long distance car & they tend to be a bit softer but the twinny is much more involving on the twisty stuff. Twinny is quicker of the corners, V6 quicker everywhere else (although it is marginal)

Both have different positives & negatives. I love the twinny & I am keeping it over the V6 but only since it was my 1st 155, if i wasnt so attatched to it I'd find it very difficult to choose.

But whatever you get, make sure it has been cared for in the past, they can be tempremental.

[Alfa155 TS]

well after driving a 166 v6 3litre tody I am amazed at the exhaust sound but based on what your lookin for I'd recommend a 2.0litre. The 155 regardless of engine will bring a smile, dont know about the v6 but the twinny gets me about 380 miles per tank, no more. As the lads said in cornering it is very good but I dont know about throwing that big v6 round bends, especially on track days.

[unquestioned]

Originally Posted by Alfa155 TS

well after driving a 166 v6 3litre tody I am amazed at the exhaust sound but based on what your lookin for I'd recommend a 2.0litre. The 155 regardless of engine will bring a smile, dont know about the v6 but the twinny gets me about 380 miles per tank, no more. As the lads said in cornering it is very good but I dont know about throwing that big v6 round bends, especially on track days.

The V6 isnt too much heavier, I think the differences are mostly to do with the suspension setup, my 96 V6 has a thinner ARB that the 97 twinny & there are a few other changes awell.

[f1lmm]

2.0,1.8 8v if its your first 155,as there the first and original car,still an alfa romeo with the chain engine,trouble free motoring,just need to replace where and tear items such as wishbone's,brakes exhaust etc etc,then once you have the feel and would like more up keep then a 2.0 1.8 16v fiat version 155 widebody. thats my point of view,don't take offence anyone with the widebody's,as they do look good.

[K.Levyn]

Originally Posted by f1lmm

2.0,1.8 8v if its your first 155.

Well to be honest the only choices I've got are 2.0 16v & 2.5 12v as I said before!
personally I'm more inclined towards the v6,cuz I haven't had a v6 before and I really love an engine that sounds alive!

[alfafanatic100]

If you can afford the fuel bills then it has to be that V6 just for the noise and what a great looking engine too.
For non motorway blasts then i'd take the twinspark, no matter what is said it is not as thirsty as a V6 if it is
running as it should.

[K.Levyn]

Thanks for your opinions everyone! much appreciated.