Which one is a good start: the 159 1.9 JTD or the GT 1.9 JTD Q2?

I've just joined the forum and I am excited about the fact that I'm planning to have my first Alfa after 10+ years of distant admiration. However I could not make my mind between the 159 1,9 JTD and the GT 1,9 JTD Q2. I would welcome your opinions on this issue.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Hello and Welcome !!

You'll get a whole host of opinions coming back at you fella but at the end of the day go with the one that 'floats your boat' the most !!

What Nomad said,
But the only choice is a GT , the 159 might be a little underpowered for such a big saloon.
Welcome to AO

Hello and welcome

me personally, GT. but then i don't have kids hence the spider, tell you what thou i love the 159 as a sportswagon, just works as an estate so well, maybe i just getting old.

I had the same dilema but went for the 159 in the end it is just sooo sexy for a saloon car ( I suspect residual value will stay firm a lot longer as well). Enjoy whatever you go for.

The GT definitely if you really want a sports car. The 159 is more of a serious 'big boys' car. Nice but not out and out sporty like a GT

I read somewhere that the 159 is a much better car in terms of build quality but that it lacks the "Cuore Sportivo" spirit of the old generation Alfas, like the GT or the 156 or even the 147 GTA. Do you agree?

I test drove, and ordered a GT Q2 yesterday and spent a long time examining the car for build quality etc. Not easy to assess, I admit, but general quality of the panel fit, the interior trim etc. were as good as the Audis I currently own. The switchgear on the central console of the GT looks a little dated and is much improved on the 159/Brera but they still seemed of reasonable quality.

Incidentally, whilst at the garage I learnt that the Brera was in the top 10 of all cars for residuals and the GT was also performing very well in terms of residuals. Interestingly the 159 didn't seem to perform as well as these two models!

The Brera is produced in controlled numbers dude... two per dealer per month !!

I would like to ask you, Paul, do you think that the Q2 really makes a difference in terms of road holding?

It's a good question gwis and I'm probably not a good enough driver to give you an answer. I had narrowed my options down to either an Audi TT (2 litre FSI engine, front wheel drive) or the GT (1.9 Jtdm). When I drove the TT I was astonished by its performance but also unnerved somewhat by how easy it was to spin the front wheels and the tussle with the steering under hard acceleration. This was on a dry day! Hence my interest in the Q2. I was also influenced by reading many reviews which talked of torque steer being evident on the GT. I certainly couldn't detect any when I drove it, but it's equally possible I wouldn't have in the standard GT trim.

Q2... No question of a doubt. Solid car. Great spec.

Hello and welcome to AO.

Hello and welcome to AO

I would go for the GT Q2, the 1.9 engine is too small for the 159.

Or a 159 2.4 of course.

The GT handles great, and the Q2 diff adds a sporting endge to how the power is deployed - essentially almost eliminating power related understeer and hugely reducing wheelspin.
Very useful for slippy British winters.

You can make your own mind up on the looks and space, but they really are two very different cars from many angles.

Cheers,
TB

Welcome aboard mate and enjoy your stay!

Hi enjoy the site