Don't know about the 147, but the GT handles great, plus how many GT's do you see about? Great car car mate :thumbs:

 

They're both similar cars so would handle similarly I'd guess. Won't be as much difference in the handling as there will between between, say, a GT and a Brera.

 

The GT handles better the the 147...due it is larger wheel base.

The GT should also perform better then the Brera...Brera is a real disaster in terms of handling...unlike the 159 which is one of the best handling cars on the market today...even compared to real sports cars.

 

Doesnt the brera and the 159 share the same chassis?

 

Handling is all subjective.... most cars on the market will handle perfectly well, it'll depend more on how you drive it.

I'd bet that a fast & sweet handling car being driven by a complete tool would get blitzed down a twisty road by someone who knows what they're doing in a complete pile of cack.

Having said that, I'm pretty confident you'd be chuffed with the handling of a GT or a 147, they're both loads of fun

 

I'm sure that any 147 owners given the choice would go for the GT

 

You recon

 

GT has stiffer rear ARBs than the 147, better damping, and lower centre of gravity , longer wheel base for more stability and comfort, and is more aerodynamic, plus more beautiful (147 still lovely of course).

I'd take a GT if space wasn't a critical concern.

[EDIT: for the 3.2 versions I find it harder to choose, 3.2v6 156, 147 and SW's are all lovely)

 

KGB, did you have a bad experience with a Brera then?
I wouldnt have expected much difference between the 159 and Breras handling? The 159 does handle very well.

 

I'm looking to buy either a used 147 or GT and I'm interested in opinions on their handling.

will you be considering like for like? for example, both 2L models or both JTD's or both V6? whilst they'll still be different, they'll be more similar than comparing different-engined cars, which may be chalk and cheese, not only for power-delivery reasons, but also front-end weight.

as mentioned, 147 is short wheel base derivative of GT/156. ( @ cul: brera is also short wheel base derivative of 159.) so the chassis designs are very similar between 147 and GT, including suspension design (ie: front double-A arm (wishbone) + rear multilink strut). yet the shorter wheelbase of the 147 theoretically makes it 'more chuckable' and nimble, at the expense of being 'choppy' over bumps. IF both cars shared exactly the same suspension setups, i don't think there'd be much difference. however, the suspension 'tune' is different.

my experiences with 147's have been quite limited, to loan cars when mine is being serviced. overall, the 147 is good, but i think the seating position was a bit higher, which loses some of the 'sporty' feel of the GT, which also has quite a high window sill line for a cocooned feel. i've driven only 2L TS versions, and they haven't absorbed small bumps too well, with a crashy sensation; yet this may have reflected worn dampers as much as anything. GT - albeit mine a V6 - feels more refined; but i will say, the turn-in of the heavy V6 is not as good as a lighter 4cyl TS.

i don't think there's a straight answer, and still depends on the engine choices. i suppose you need to testdrive to find out what you prefer. i personally love the GT.

 

Yep, BUT the brera is shorter...and the car is really heavy for that type of car.

Around the corners (mounting driving) the Brera 2.4JTDm is slower then a 159 1.9JTDm...."tested" on one of the AutoBild's test drives over here.

See the top gear power lap with the Brera...compared to the new TT.

 

Got both, hence profile pic an the Gt is much better, although i would never complain about the 147

 

@ Shiny.... The seating position on the 147 GTA is a lot lower than the other models.
I agree though, its the engine comparisons that will make most of the difference.

 

@ Shiny.... The seating position on the 147 GTA is a lot lower than the other models.

ah, thought that might have been the case. cool.

 

The 147 is more chuckable. For me, the worst thing about the GT is the ride on the V6. Brace for impact. But the steering, turn in and front end grip is second to none. Can't wait to get the Q2 fitted so the loud pedal can be squashed earlier when damp!

 

I have my opinion, you have yours...

No point of replying anything more then that

 

Thanks for all the responses.

I'm looking at the same engine in both cars the jtd 150bhp.

All though the quicker turn in of the 147 is appealling I think I'm going to go for the GT as it sounds like the suspension is slightly stiffer and better damped and I like a lower driving poition.

Just need a test drive now to make sure.

 

I'm looking at the same engine in both cars the jtd 150bhp.

will be interesting to hear what you think after driving each. i've never driven the JTD's (and GT JTD not available here in australia).

i wonder if you'll notice a difference in 'turn in' because of the wheelbase difference. possibly not for that reason. but i suspect there will be a difference, which might be due to an overall difference in suspension 'tune' rather than wheelbase.

and of course, the cars have other significant difference which will sway you one way or the other: looks, size, practicality, etc.

good luck, and keep us informed.

 

Do GTs have tne same sharp steering as 156s???

 

I think so, 2 turns lock to lock I think the 156s have. Sharp, but has the turning circle of an oil tanker! :lol:

 

Both the 147 and the GT in common with the 156 they are derived from have an achilees heel in the drive and handling department and that is their ability to cope with undulations and 'bumps' to use the word loosly. The body control is not good at all, the cars nose dive and will bottom out if you are pushing on. The bigger the engine generally speaking the worse they are although the GTA's tend to be a little better than the V6 or 2.4JTD equivelant.
A 147 might be slightly better in this respect as it's shorter so you get less of the uncontrolled fore-aft pitching motion.
W-J, I would try and find the time to give both cars a test drive and make sure you use a road with lots of vertical as well as horizontal changes of direction, then make your judgement.
The 159 is streets ahead of the older models in this respect as too (sadly) are some of the competition.
It's a sad fact that there are certain roads around where I live that I know I could put my 40 year old 1750GTV faster than the GTA, or a 147/GT.

 

I'm with Will - Having driven both cars (with & without the Q2 diff) - the 147 does feel more nimble, especially on a tight twisty circuit, like the slalom on the Cloverleaf test days and the GT always feels as if it is always going to ground out over bumps and crests. That said, on a fast flowing A road the GT is definitely better. I think the GT JTD is under damped and the diesel engine is too heavy for the way the chassis is set up.

 

Why not book a test drive in both the GT and the 147, straight after each another and make your own mind up?

Handling and driving position are very subjective things to compare between cars and you'll get a different answer from people based on what they prefer and how they like their own pride & joy. I've got nothing to complain about in my 147 but then it's one of my pride and joys and as such I've got a biased view of it.

 

Having owned a 147 GTA and the GT 3.2... I thought going from the GTA to the GT the GT had better handling.if your talking standard set up models ie. 1.9 and 2.0 models I would think GT cause it is a coupe.

 

I had a 1.9 JTD Alfa GT as a courtesy car once.....I loved it !!

It was so agile, and perfect level of damping.

It is a very special car imo.

When I go for a 10k diesel, would have to be the GT.