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GT V6 v R32 and Corrado VR6

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corrado r32 vr6
5K views 31 replies 15 participants last post by  dgmayhead 
#1 ·
Ok so I have owned the two latter cars in recent years and am preparing to change again in the next few months. Kept wanting a Brera but the head height in driver's seat amongst other things seem to have ruled that out, but part of me really wants an Alfa in some shape or form. So now considering the GT with a V6.

So the reason for mentioning the other two cars are in relation to fuel consumption. Now I know you don't buy a V6 if you worry about that but obviously part of my buying process is to consider all factors. I live 10 miles from work and it is a back road drive at a steady 50-60 mph all the way with no real traffic concerns. I have read that if the Busso isn't up to temperature, the consumption is single figures. I got about 30mpg from both VWs and wondered how much worse the Busso is likely to be on such a journey?

Any thoughts or advice greatly received.
 
G
#2 ·
I have a 156 SW GTA 3.2 so same floor pan and engine as a 3.2 GT and similar weights.

It gets 30mpg on a motorway run, sometimes a touch more. Around town it will do early to mid 20s. Slightly less if you enjoy it on bendy roads.

That said, I had a Golf 2.8 4motion in the early 2000s for a short while and it did similar mpg. Early 20s. That had 4 wheel drive though. And it was staggeringly boring to look at and be in.

I live about 8 miles from work and my GTA doesn't get up to full temperature in that time. However it still averages mid 20s over a full tank of commuting. The drive is typically 30mph for the first mile. About 5 miles of 70mph, then about 2 miles of 30mph at the other end.
 
#10 ·
No, there is something wrong with it.

In the first instance it's NOT heating up 10l of water, just the water in the block, heads and cabin heater matrix. What do you think the thermostat does?!

And secondly I have a similar commute length and even keeping the revs below 2k it's up to 90 deg in around 3 or 4 miles, even in the winter.
 
#5 ·
Just seems a very long time. I've just changed ours and for the wife's 2 mile commute it now gets up to temperature before she gets to work, where as before it was 75-80 degrees max.

Fuel consumption has improved to a truly amazing 18.5 mpg from 16 mpg..:rolleyes:
 
#6 ·
I dont think you can compare the 3...Yes engine wise. The germans just get it done..The haldex 4x4 system on R32 just put the power down really well, sounds brilliant and in oem guise handles very well. Much better than the std TTmk1. Which has the same chassis. The corrado is a lovely motor but more of classic now. More on par with the GT 3.2. The corrado will probably start to creep up in price more than the others. Although the r32 will be easier to sell on than the GT 3.2. The GT is a beautiful machine but out of all of these will probably cost you the most to up keep. The engine is a peach, its not super fast though. But thats not the point, its fast enough to have fun and the engine makes it all worth while.

Damien.
 
#13 ·
Yeah, as I said I owned both the R32 and Corrado so really appreciate a V6 and keep reading the Busso is one of the best. I don't mind that it isn't super fast, it is the sound and the smooth power delivery that I live for. I also love all things Italian and think this may fit the bill, just don't want single figure consumption. I could live with 20s but not much worse.
 
#7 ·
I like all three originally mentioned. All are cool for different reasons
 
#8 ·
Obviously you don't buy any of these cars if you are worried about fuel consumption! I average about 27MPG in my GT V6 with a mixture of town and motorway driving.

I'm not sure what you mean about the head height in the Brera V6. I test drove one the other day and it seemed quite spacious. Have you actually driven one? I'm pretty sure the seats go up and down - they do in the GT. The Brera I drove was in a poor condition mechanically and the GT felt like a better car when I got back into it - but it wasn't a fair test. I plan to test drive a few more Breras.
 
#9 ·
Phil Brera's are heavy barges cool for cruising, that are nice and look good but sadly no way an entertaining car to drive. :(

Damien.
 
#19 ·
In your opinion:rolleyes:

Have you owned one:confused:

I don't mean taken one for a quick blast where the GT will impress more?

In standard form, a 3.2 Q4 Brera wees all over an LSD equipped V6 GT.

How do I know / can be so objective? We'll we (currently) own both.

Even when new, the V6 GT got stuffed across your typical challenging A or B by a 2.2 Ti 159.

Yes, you can chuck loads of dosh at the GT chassis but you could do that to an already proficient Brera too.

So, the Brera wins again......

Progress.
 
#12 ·
I'm currently averaging 24.8 mpg per the computer, but this after mainly shorter journeys over the winter. Last summer it got to about 27mpg.

I've not driven a Brera, but the Busso sound makes the GT. It dominates the car.... I rarely use the stereo as it sounds so good.
 
#15 ·
Thanks Chris that is perfect feedback, I could happily live with mid 20s. The Brera looks gorgeous in Prodrive guise but I was looking at the 2.2 before I actually say in one and found head height an issue.

It's the Busso engine that is luring me to the GT. :)
 
G
#17 ·
Sorry didn't see the response from Chris until quoted by someone else. The stat is fine. It is a new one installed a few months before Christmas. Full temperature (according to me) is when the needle has gone to the 90, dropped as the radiator water ways open up due to the stat working and then coming back up as the stat regulates temps.

It is fine.
 
#18 ·
Hi,

I've had a golf VR6 in the past and a GTI , the V6 GT makes me feel more connected . To drive it is an event ! , of course the build quality etc is not up with the VW but the noise and feel of the GT is special . I would say the drive is more responsive and just as comfortable .....

Good luck with your decision ..:D
 
#20 ·
Hi,

I've had a golf VR6 in the past and a GTI , the V6 GT makes me feel more connected . To drive it is an event ! , of course the build quality etc is not up with the VW but the noise and feel of the GT is special . I would say the drive is more responsive and just as comfortable .....

Good luck with your decision ..
Thanks Matt, I appreciate your thoughts. I think the feeling of something special is what I'm looking for in a sea of blandness out there.
 
#23 ·
Can't say I've seen any Brera platformed cars in race series. Plenty of GT in the form of 156 and 147. I think the race community are slightly more aware of driving performance than we are Si ;)

I suppose if that new barge grass series takes off...:p
 
#28 ·
You've had some good advice. Try and find a GT V6 which has been owned by an enthusiast but which hasn't been messed about with. Factory 18" wheels are a must IMHO and if you can find one that's had the Q2 differential and Eibach Anti roll bar fitted, you'll be laughing. I get mid 20's on short journeys and 30+ on a run. Performance will be quicker than the Corrado and about the same as the Golf R32 but I think the engine's power delivery, tractability and most of all, the sound are in a different class. Then you open the bonnet and see that beautiful chromed jewel. Get a good one and you will be in motoring nirvana.

Let us know how you get on.
 
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