GT or Brera

popelli · #1 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Looking at buying another Alfa

We already have a 147 but wifes Celica is getting close to its use by date and needs updating, either with a GT otr Brera

styling aside which motors are best / best avoided and any particular things to look out for

SteveG. · #2 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

If you go for a Brera get the S

BigGinge · #3 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

It all depends on your budget.....................

popelli · #4 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Originally Posted by BigGinge

It all depends on your budget.....................

up to about £12 or £13k

V6Alfisti · #5 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Will summarise my thoughts :-

GT- Feels lighter and more nimble (right from the off)
2.0 JTS - Torquey engine but sometimes lacks the extra kick you got from the 2.2. 30-34mpg average.
Interior - Love the 147 interior but the materials in the Brera are better
Reliability - Usual wishbones, cambelt changes and oil top ups

Brera - Carries some extra weight and you do need to push the car before you get that Alfa feeling
I actually liked the 2.2 JTS unit, torquey and doesn't mind being pushed. At it's best around 3k plus. 30mpg average with a light foot, 21mpg with a heavy foot.
Interior- Very well screwed together
Reliability - No cambelt changes due to chains, no oil consumption but power steering rack failures are a concern.

Overall I see the Brera as the more grown up of the two but you can enjoy the GT more of the time (all the way from low speed), both great cars for different purposes imo.

#6 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Brera by this much <--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

BigGinge · #7 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Well for that kind of money you could pick up a nice Brera then! As much as I like the GT (am trying to pick up a cheap one as we speak to commute in) the basic design is dated in comparison to the Brera - and this means there are significant differences in terms of materials/build quality, safety etc. On the flip side, the GT is lighter and as a consequence 'more dynamic' and more economical. I believe (although would be happy to be corrected) that general running costs are lower. The GT is essentially a hybrid 147/156 in a pretty body, cars which sold in much larger numbers than 159/Brera so spares, accessories, tuning parts etc are much more common. The GT interior is pretty much the same as a 147 but with slightly different materials - I love the 147 interior the but the Brera has a far more 'premium' feel and is an incredible place to sit, the glass roof is the icing on the very tasty cake. As you can tell, I would suggest getting a Brera, but then I would say that

For your budget you should be able to find a nice example - as has been mentioned the steering rack seems to be a weak point, as does the 'rocking' driver seat - but generally reliability is good. You just need to choose which engine/drivetrain you want......oh, don't forget the Brera eats very expensive tyres, very quickly....

EVEL · #8 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

With your budget I go Brera

Lynn GT · #9 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

Originally Posted by popelli

Looking at buying another Alfa

We already have a 147 but wifes Celica is getting close to its use by date and needs updating, either with a GT otr Brera

styling aside which motors are best / best avoided and any particular things to look out for

I went from a Celica to a GT and haven't looked back.

I may be biased, but I think the GT is a far better looking car than the Brera. Although I didn't buy mine for practicality, it has also proved to be great if I need a work horse or (on very rare occasions) have more than one passenger.

In the end, it comes down to your wife's preference and she should test drive both before making her decision as I'm sure she will find she has a favourite.

Good luck with whichever she chooses

BigGinge · #10 (**Post Link**) 09-07-11

One other thing, the Brera is most definitely a 2+2 - there is virtually no room in the back. If you want some passenger space the GT is better - although the Brera boot is cavernous.

popelli · #11 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

thanks for all the replies

which is the best engine option diesel or petrol ?

thanks to Gordon Brown and his anti motoring incentives the V6 option has already been ruled out

TheGeneral · #12 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

Hi

|Ive had a GT 1.9jtd since 07, was used, but has proven to be a great lusty motor, reliable, 52k on it now, is for sale reluctantly as I bought a Red Brera 2.2 Prodrive 3 weeks ago, its magic. Totally loaded with equipment.

Clutch is somewhat heavy on my GT, I hear its like that on many, but told by Alfa specialist nothin wrong with it, it bites Ok at the right place on the pedal, so it might prove a bit heavy for some ladies. Clutch much lighter on Brera.

If you need space the GT has more.

Could be a difficult choice, though I do prefer a petrol engine, as in the Prodrive. Yes the V6 is penalised with a £460 road Tax.

Enjoy!

t3yls · #13 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

petrol or diesel?
....may be wise to consider how she will drive it ....being a woman, 'badly' of course ....but will it be a fair bit of motorway miles or a commute to work through traffic. Diesels don't like sitting in traffic, especially with the DPF thingys on the brera -in that case I would go petrol.

bigjim · #14 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

Originally Posted by BigGinge

One other thing, the Brera is most definitely a 2+2 - there is virtually no room in the back. If you want some passenger space the GT is better - although the Brera boot is cavernous.

that's what i'd say. if you ever need to take passengers, get the gt.

alfaholic1001 · #15 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

GT for the space, Brera for the smile it puts on your face V6 of course but only if you dont have to pay for your own fuel like me

Mj

Lynn GT · #16 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

Originally Posted by t3yls

petrol or diesel?
....may be wise to consider how she will drive it ....being a woman, 'badly' of course ....

Men!!!!!!

Squadrone Rosso · #17 (**Post Link**) 10-07-11

Unbiased opinion as we have one of each in range topper form.

Over 90% of the time the Brera is a far better & more complete car but if you want rear space or the last ounce of unruly fun, the GT pips it.

As for looks, both are stunning but the Brera is a bit more special in our opinion.

spookone · #18 (**Post Link**) 24-08-11

I am having the same dilemma but want to move from my TT - I am looking at a GT cloverleaf or a 2.2 Brera.

But the Brera is certainly a stunning looking car - we saw a couple in Monaco a couple of weeks ago and they certainly didn't look out of place against all the exotics :-)

I dont like the idea of the MPG as the Brera isn't lightest of cars but the admiring glances will no doubt make up for a lighter wallet