Has anyone ever upgraded to a V6 from a TS and regretted it?

[Gaag]

Originally Posted by symon

A GTV twinny wil perform roughly the same as a 147 2.0 in a straight line, but will handle better.

This is the bit that interests me most. There's very little in weight difference, is there? So will the handling be all that better considering they share many of the same traits?

[Pascs]

IMO the GTV is a totally different car from the 156. The GTV being a coupe is more aimed at it sporting heritage while the 156 is aimed more towards comfort.

I've gone from a TS 156 to a V6 156 and although the 2.5 V6 engine lacks a bit of torque compared to the 3.0 V6, it is a much nicer engine than the TS.

The V6 is smoother, sounds better, looks better, more reliable but unfortunately more thirsty. The 156 V6 needs a proper suspension setup otherwise its all over the place, the 156 TS by comparison is much better straight out the box.

I've not driven a TS GTV but the V6 GTV I test drove was fantastic, unfortunately at that time I needed the extra space of the 156, now cant find any good V6 GTV's in this country.

One thing I know is that although I really liked the 156 TS, I couldnt go back to one after the V6

[symon]

Originally Posted by Gaag

This is the bit that interests me most. There's very little in weight difference, is there? So will the handling be all that better considering they share many of the same traits?

The GTV is actually heavier, although for some reason the official figures put the 147 slightly slower.

The GTV suspension setup is more sporty and uncomfortable, where as the 147 (at least the earlier ones) didn't get a sportpack suspenion option like the 156.

The 156 Sportpack cars are quite hard riding, but handle similarly well to a 2.0GTV

The Big difgference is in the V6's. The V6 156 handles no where near as well as the TS variants, where as with the GTV the diffence is much smaller.


I would go out and drive a few and see for yourself, as opinions are subjective.

[guiliasuper]

Originally Posted by Gaag

I'm stuck in a rut after reading this thread now... I just don't know what to get!
I'm looking at either a 156 v6 (not convinced after reading this!), or a GTV Twinnie.

Is the 156 really bad on fuel compared to the Twinnie if you do a lot of long motorway driving like me? At least the V6 doesn't need the belts changing every 30k!! I've currently got a 147 with the 2litre twinnie in it, and it's pretty fast, but in truth, there are far better 2 litre hatchbacks out there, both in terms of performance and handling. The main difference is that the exterior and interior styling on Alfa's are in a class of their own. If I buy a GTV twinnie... will it handle and drive just about the same as the 147?

What's it to be, decisions decisions!

Dear Gaag, see my earlier post, if space is not a priority and you are going to do mostly motorway work there is no contest 3.0 GTV (preferably 6 speed) wins aurally, visually and economy wise.Happy hunting

[Emlyn]

I've often thought of ditching the TS as it's in need of much repairs.
A 6 speed V6 is something I really want but... I just can't justify it. That engine though, the noise it makes. :|
THAT is what a sportscar should sound like.

The TS is more than enough for me though. I just need to get it sorted, uprated handling and brakes would make me very happy with this car.

Often wondered if the handling thing was something to make the TS owners feel a bit better?

[Gaag]

Originally Posted by guiliasuper

Dear Gaag, see my earlier post, if space is not a priority and you are going to do mostly motorway work there is no contest 3.0 GTV (preferably 6 speed) wins aurally, visually and economy wise.Happy hunting

Thanks Guiliasuper, i read your post. Can I ask what your average combined mpg figures are for real life driving on the 3.0 GTV? I've never been anywhere near one so don't know what they sound like. My father has a Jag with a 4.2 V8 Supercharged engine in it... now that's a noise!

[guiliasuper]

Originally Posted by Gaag

Thanks Guiliasuper, i read your post. Can I ask what your average combined mpg figures are for real life driving on the 3.0 GTV? I've never been anywhere near one so don't know what they sound like. My father has a Jag with a 4.2 V8 Supercharged engine in it... now that's a noise!

? average combined what ! the GTV comes from the pre failling " bosch" electronicsso no average / actual readout.
Honestly unless I have a disaster like my failed MAF, (I posted a photo of the TS with a readout of average 1.5 mpg ) I fuel them when needed. The GTV is my better halfs car spends most of it's life trundling around London, it is not brill at stop start heavy traffic, but when it does get to stretch it's legs it is remarkably frugal. As posted earlier, on the Europe run in October it used 1 1/2 less tanks of fuel than the 2.2 Spider.
I see from your profile that you are a tad far to offer you a quick blast in the "Big Blue Bruiser" but I am sure you should be able to find a member a little closer who could show you one or go try this one :Alfa Romeo : Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24V Lusso
a little closer. Do try the aural experience but be prepared to part with your hard earned if you do
Best of luck in your search

[alfaholic1001]

I had a 2. GTV and loved it till it was written off by an idiot bus driver jumping a red light. Went for the V6 24v and now it has the q2 drives like a new car. I used to have amany many years ago GTV6 so know the engine well and the power across the range is what makes it special. Its def heavier but a considerable amount but with the Q2 you just dont notice it that much IMHO, The low end torque means i drive it around town in 3rd most of the time so i get good MPG also.

[Annabella]

I was struggling to decide between the V6 and the 2l - head vs heart decision! Fortunately I was able to borrow both back to back over a couple of weekends. The 2l did feel really easy to drive, the V6 does feel a little more slow to respond cornering - but to me the steering and brakes both felt heavier so that could just be my weedy arms

However, the V6 inspired more confidence cornering, it feels completely planted and stiff. After driving a friend's Monaro it actually felt ridiculously nimble too! I wouldn't switch to a twinny now...

Edit: the other thing is the V6 is easier to drive in slow moving traffic. It pulls away at such low revs that you hardly need to use the clutch (stick it in first, no throttle and away she goes at a very respectable crawl)

[Markos]

Originally Posted by Annabella

Edit: the other thing is the V6 is easier to drive in slow moving traffic. It pulls away at such low revs that you hardly need to use the clutch (stick it in first, no throttle and away she goes at a very respectable crawl)

True!

[symon]

Mine is a 5 speed, and you can drive at just over 20 mph in top gear and the car will accelerate cleanly when you put your foot down.

Try doing that in a TS and it will complain, bog down and you won't get anywhere fast.

[Freds GTV 2001]

I had a TS for 1 Year then bought a V6 because I was sick of being left at the lights by simple hatchbacks. The final decision came when I was trying to catch a BMW V6 2.5L - He just flew away from me with my foot flat on the floor. ( although the TS needed a new MAF) but I just thought thats not on. I cant even keep up with a 2.5 BMW. I need more Power.

Of course when I got the V6 I just became King of the road. There was so much Power. I felt like a Fighter Pilot with as much flexibility and power equal to the most powerful cars on the road apart from a 911 or Ferrari.

But what I miss desperately is the Razor Sharp handling of the TS. The V6 is much heavier and doesnt handle the same as the TS. The TS has razor sharp handling and corners like its on rails.

Where as the TS will handle brilliantly from corner to corner the V6 will just Bulldoze over the same stretch of road with twice the horespower at twice the speed

[ChristopherF]

Originally Posted by symon

Mine is a 5 speed, and you can drive at just over 20 mph in top gear and the car will accelerate cleanly when you put your foot down.

Try doing that in a TS and it will complain, bog down and you won't get anywhere fast.

True. But why would you want to?

[nelo1110]

Originally Posted by Annabella

the other thing is the V6 is easier to drive in slow moving traffic. It pulls away at such low revs that you hardly need to use the clutch (stick it in first, no throttle and away she goes at a very respectable crawl)

While my GTV is in the garage and I'm using a Focus 1.6 I do miss the low down grunt in traffic. Having to tap the accelerator to just crawl is a little jerky. Funny as I thought the Focus would be more suited to traffic.

This experience has shown me that the v6 is not as nimble as I first thought but can't wait until it's back. Can't got from 3.0l v6 to 1.6 zetec for a long commute.

[symon]

Originally Posted by ChristopherF

True. But why would you want to?

The same reason why anyone would buy an auto.

Lazyness.

I quite often sit at 30mph in 5th gear in town then don't bother changing down to accelerate, as the car pulls nicely anyway. The V6 suits lazy drivers.

[Rewe]

Originally Posted by ChristopherF

True. But why would you want to?

Same reason we do lots of things; it feels nice.

[JDog]

Originally Posted by Freds GTV 2001

I had a TS for 1 Year then bought a V6 because I was sick of being left at the lights by simple hatchbacks. The final decision came when I was trying to catch a BMW V6 2.5L - He just flew away from me with my foot flat on the floor. ( although the TS needed a new MAF) but I just thought thats not on. I cant even keep up with a 2.5 BMW. I need more Power.

The 2.5l BMW straight six is a great engine. It's no wonder it blew you away in a straight line. If you upgraded to stay ahead of BMWs what are you going to do when you're racing an M3 or even a 330 (which is probably faster than a V6 GTV?

Originally Posted by Freds GTV 2001

Where as the TS will handle brilliantly from corner to corner the V6 will just Bulldoze over the same stretch of road with twice the horespower at twice the speed

I prefer finesse and sportiness to brute force, myself.. Though the noise of the V6 is nice.

Jasper

p.s. The 'nicest' sounding engine I ever heard was the twin supercharged V6? in the SL. My word.

[Freds GTV 2001]

Originally Posted by Freds GTV 2001

I had a TS for 1 Year then bought a V6 because I was sick of being left at the lights by simple hatchbacks. The final decision came when I was trying to catch a BMW V6 2.5L - He just flew away from me with my foot flat on the floor. ( although the TS needed a new MAF) but I just thought thats not on. I cant even keep up with a 2.5 BMW. I need more Power.

The 2.5l BMW straight six is a great engine. It's no wonder it blew you away in a straight line. If you upgraded to stay ahead of BMWs what are you going to do when you're racing an M3 or even a 330 (which is probably faster than a V6 GTV?

Probably get a Ferrari or 911 Turbo


Originally Posted by Freds GTV 2001 (Has anyone ever upgraded to a V6 from a TS and regretted it?)http://www.alfaowner.com/Forum/image...s/viewpost.gif

Where as the TS will handle brilliantly from corner to corner the V6 will just Bulldoze over the same stretch of road with twice the horespower at twice the speed

I prefer finesse and sportiness to brute force, myself.. Though the noise of the V6 is nice.

Yeah I would prefer refined handling as well. But while the Power is there may as well use it.

Jasper

p.s. The 'nicest' sounding engine I ever heard was the twin supercharged V6? in the SL. My word.

[JFK]

I don't know if it has already been mentioned on this thread already, but are n't there two reasons why the TS handles better.

The obvious one is less weight on the nose.

But is n't the other reason the fact that the V6 has certain parts of the rear suspension rosejointed? Rose joined suspension is definitely superior in certain aspects - but, critically, you loose much of the passive rear wheel steer which defined the GTV's almost legendary handling status. (Alfa sprint still better IMO)

This legendary status was earned by the TS GTV. I have an old copy of EVO where they put about 20 cars around a track. They ranked all the cars in terms of cornering speed at each bend. At the tightest bend, the chicane, the TS GTV came top, beating even the Lotus Elise.....

[ChristopherF]

Originally Posted by Rewe

Same reason we do lots of things; it feels nice.

so does changing down to 2nd and flooring it

[Freds GTV 2001]

Originally Posted by JFK

I don't know if it has already been mentioned on this thread already, but are n't there two reasons why the TS handles better.

The obvious one is less weight on the nose.

But is n't the other reason the fact that the V6 has certain parts of the rear suspension rosejointed? Rose joined suspension is definitely superior in certain aspects - but, critically, you loose much of the passive rear wheel steer which defined the GTV's almost legendary handling status. (Alfa sprint still better IMO)

This legendary status was earned by the TS GTV. I have an old copy of EVO where they put about 20 cars around a track. They ranked all the cars in terms of cornering speed at each bend. At the tightest bend, the chicane, the TS GTV came top, beating even the Lotus Elise.....

I would aggree with that. Theres not one car that could keep up with me around a corner when I had my TS. Remember had this BMW on my tail once who wanted to race me but came to a medium long corner I chose the tighter line avoiding several potholes and the BMW had to choose the wider line hitting all the potholes. Well I put a lot of distance between me and him and you could tell he was getting more and more annoyed by trying to keep up slipping further back all the time

[Pud237]

Having driven quite a few GTVs now, I reckon a 3.0 with a Q2 corners better than a TS.

[Freds GTV 2001]

Originally Posted by Pud237

Having driven quite a few GTVs now, I reckon a 3.0 with a Q2 corners better than a TS.

Really ?! Im getting a Q2 then.

What do you reckon is more important getting a Q2 or Koni/Blsteins or both to get it to handle better than a TS

[JFK]

Originally Posted by Pud237

Having driven quite a few GTVs now, I reckon a 3.0 with a Q2 corners better than a TS.

but that's not apples with apples then is it. You could mod a TS.....

[Gaz]

i currently run both a TS and a V6 GTV (both P2) side by side and both have their plus and minus points.

TS is comfier and easier to drive while the V6 is just pure driving pleasure but you have to be in the right mood to drive it or it will just annoy you. the TS only has cloth seats but they are really super comfy whereas as has been said earlier in the thread the momo leathers in the V6 are rock solid and uncomfy with very little lateral support

Get a V6 on the right roads though and very little will touch it in terms of handling and grunt, certainly not for similar money

Originally Posted by Gaag

I'm stuck in a rut after reading this thread now... I just don't know what to get!
I'm looking at either a 156 v6 (not convinced after reading this!), or a GTV Twinnie.

Is the 156 really bad on fuel compared to the Twinnie if you do a lot of long motorway driving like me? At least the V6 doesn't need the belts changing every 30k!! I've currently got a 147 with the 2litre twinnie in it, and it's pretty fast, but in truth, there are far better 2 litre hatchbacks out there, both in terms of performance and handling. The main difference is that the exterior and interior styling on Alfa's are in a class of their own. If I buy a GTV twinnie... will it handle and drive just about the same as the 147?

What's it to be, decisions decisions!

Originally Posted by Gaag

Thanks Guiliasuper, i read your post. Can I ask what your average combined mpg figures are for real life driving on the 3.0 GTV? I've never been anywhere near one so don't know what they sound like. My father has a Jag with a 4.2 V8 Supercharged engine in it... now that's a noise!

Mr Gaag, if you want to hear a V6 then have a listen to this clip

YouTube - Alfa GTV in Scotland

you should normally see around 25ish mpg from a V6 but i have managed to squeeze over 30 from mine
also, if you want a GTV but cant decide on a TS or a V6, i will quite happily swap you both of mine for that Ford of yours!!