Alfa Romeo 147 GTA

7 January 2015 Redazione Budget Cars

BUDGET CARS – EPISODE III

I almost got killed when I proposed it at the office and attractive prices seem to support the thesis of those who have made a laugh out of me, but I think that after all it’s a great car. Most rational people complain about the uselessness of this compact front-wheel drive with a big heart; in fact, the 3.2-liter V6 “Busso” moves one of the best (as a standard version) in its class in terms of handling. What’s wrong then? The greater weight to the front made it a little ‘more complicated between corners, even despite the sophisticated suspension, while the lack of a locking diff, associated with all those muscles, made it impossible to get out of it in an elegant way. But then, between speed limits and the few points available on your license, is better to enjoy the great torque reserve, “to play” involved when deciding to raise a bit ‘the pace and lower the windows even with -5° while listening to the delicious sound of that unmistakable sporty and old school heart. Stuff more for a museum nowadays, because of the limiting laws designed to protect the Australian platypus. In short, for less than € 10,000, is one of those cars that externalize your disappointment towards downsizing: the price to pay for this? An aesthetic look that does not emphasizes the money spent on gasoline to go around. But the pleasant interior and the fact of not being rated only for the track (although the acronym that stands for Gran Turismo Allegerita GTA) will make it a good companion with whom to face any gray winter morning.

Gianmarco Floris

Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (2002-2006)
Layout – front-engined, front wheel drive
Engine – 6 cylinder V 3.2cc
Transmission – 6-speed manual gearbox
Power – 250 hp / 300 Nm
Weight – 1.360 kg
Acceleration – 6,1 sec.
Top Speed – 246 kh
Price – starting at 8.000€