An Overpriced Elise? The Alfa Romeo 4C, Driven At Last

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  • čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
  • So many times I am asked how Lotus stuff compares to the Alfa 4C, and vice versa - but I've not driven the Alfa. Until now.
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Komentáře • 268

  • @drsonicify
    @drsonicify Před 6 lety +29

    The quaver in your voice speaks volumes about the suspension tune

    • @guardrailbiter
      @guardrailbiter Před 3 lety

      As does the 'manual' damping of the camera at czcams.com/video/uepGBTtesbo/video.html
      ... and more aggressively at czcams.com/video/uepGBTtesbo/video.html

  • @lefterisnalbantis9627
    @lefterisnalbantis9627 Před 6 lety +69

    You should try and get a new Alpine A110 for a test drive. People keep praising it for its Lotus-matching handling and I'd love to know your opinion about it

  • @boots_n_coots
    @boots_n_coots Před 6 lety +14

    I really rather like it. I’m happy that it exists, and I love seeing one go by. But, but... in the end, not quite enough “want” to sign the check.
    Good review, JayEmm.

  • @johnny-S
    @johnny-S Před 6 lety +6

    A more positive review than I expected from a Lotus fan. Worth noting that there is a full leather interior option for the 4C ... My 4C Spider has a full leather dash stitched with body colour stitching, a must in that car, makes a big difference. Also worth noting is that the steering is fully adjustable too ( it's not in the Exige or Elise). And its annual road tax is half that of the manual Exige. I love mine, but I admit it's a tad scary on B roads!

  • @staceyhogan395
    @staceyhogan395 Před 5 lety +19

    I do have to say I love my 4c spider. But yes mine is fully loaded. Racing suspension, exhaust. Juiced up the turbo. Now 0-60 is 3.2 as my wife calls it death machine. Its still fun though.

    • @hanijandali8830
      @hanijandali8830 Před 4 lety

      Hi, I have a 4C and was looking to upgrade the turbo. Would you be willing to share the turbo upgrade you went with?

    • @davidemartorana4708
      @davidemartorana4708 Před 4 lety +3

      Damn, what did you modify to make it that quick?

  • @DLNix
    @DLNix Před 6 lety +19

    Im an Evora 400 owner and 4c owner . Great review . Both are awesome for different reasons

    • @gsgcarreviews
      @gsgcarreviews Před 3 lety

      How is the evora 400? I've always been a Lotus fanatic but after reviewing the 4c i'm on the fence lol

  • @tbrasc0
    @tbrasc0 Před 5 lety +11

    I love Alfa's, owned several... But God the dealers are getting so arrogant.

  • @verynormalman
    @verynormalman Před rokem +1

    It's MUCH more complicated than this!
    It's a truly magical car, on flat roads. Totally confidence inspiring. And very quick.
    On domed patchily tarmacked roads, it's not relaxing. And it's wide.
    I love this car. It's SO special. A kind of unique proposition. So it depends on what type of person you are? You decide!

  • @deviklovecraft3835
    @deviklovecraft3835 Před 5 lety +3

    They are beautiful ! I already have a 2005 Elise..with a broken rear toe link, but that’s another issue entirely...but was in the market for a daily driver. I tested one of these, just because I could, and it was very nervous on the road... tramlined like crazy. The rear suspension, a McPherson set up instead of double wishbones, is a compromise. This was definitely NOT the daily driver I was looking for. Eventually settled on an Evora S wrapped in chrome blue and haven’t looked back

  • @CanadianCaymanRS
    @CanadianCaymanRS Před 6 lety +26

    Great review. However, if you are buying a car like this for the interior you dont get it. And if you didn't test it in race mode you missed out. I am biased because I love my 4C, but with a little suspension work and an ecu tune this car is a true track day special. First sports car I have owned that I will never sell. I believe it is destined to be a classic and with poor sales and limited production they will eventually be hard to find. Just my two cents.

    • @PRG888
      @PRG888 Před 6 lety +4

      Completely agree. Not many cars these days have character and the 4c has it in spades. Even with its faults I love it

    • @rogerprice3654
      @rogerprice3654 Před 6 lety +3

      The Art of GNAR I agree with you entirely. Had my coupe 2years. Drive it when ever I can. A future classic

    • @pg3274
      @pg3274 Před 6 lety +2

      Sir I love my 4c Spyder also. This car is also handbuilt.

    • @waynemiller1609
      @waynemiller1609 Před 5 lety +1

      Get the upgraded leather interior, its absolutely beautiful!!!

    • @RoderickVoordouw
      @RoderickVoordouw Před 4 lety +1

      A year later I know but anyway. The 4C is not 'just' a track day special. They use it as a safety car at the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands.

  • @Turboman_64
    @Turboman_64 Před 6 lety +23

    Now this car im certain that it never had a manual option. As soon as they revealed it and told us it has no powered stearing i went nuts, as soon as they then said it comes with dual clutch only i didnt care any more and closed the reveal video.
    But fun fact: The 4C was compared to the Elise and it was then that i realized that Lotus offers exactly what im dreaming of with the Elise platform, wich has nothing on it exept for electric windows, ABS and ESP. Ironically this car is the reason why i became a Lotus fan within minutes of reading through the official Lotus website and this car is the reason why i started searching Lotus videos on youtube. In fact this car is, idirectly, the reason why i am subscribed to you and to Little Lost Lotus (aside from the fact that you guys push out quality videos of course :P)!
    Keep up the brilliant work!

    • @bigmastaduke
      @bigmastaduke Před 6 lety +1

      It's a question of taste if you prefer a manual or an dual clutch transmission. From the performance perspective the dual clutch is a huge advantage. I have a buddy with a slightly modified 4c (chip tuning to 290hp, kw v2, michelin cup2 and a bit modified geometry - more camber) and he was about as fast as a 400hp exige. His modified Alfa was a lot cheaper than the exige with about the same performance. Here is the video: czcams.com/video/DQxmWjiVEsE/video.html
      The mistake Alfa did with this car is that they didn't offer such a tune from factory.

    • @Turboman_64
      @Turboman_64 Před 6 lety +1

      To be honest i dont care about performance, if i did i would want a porsche or a gtr or something like this. And the problem here is that there is no option, its not a question of taste when you dont have the option to get what corresponds to your taste. Its either you like the dual clutch or dont buy the 4C.

    • @bigmastaduke
      @bigmastaduke Před 6 lety +5

      In my opinion - today a manual is something for romantics. I own two elder manuals and a 4c and I really don't miss manual shifting in the 4c. You can't buy an elsie with a dsg on the other hand. In my personal view the 4c is a 2010 interpretation of the 1995 elise concept. But the unique selling point was the carbon chassis to me. Next keen car with that option would be a mclaren? At the end I'm happy that not all car are the same - like people :)

    • @Turboman_64
      @Turboman_64 Před 6 lety

      Yes but it wouldnt hurt anybody if the customer had an option more to choose. The more options you have the better, thats what im trying to say. They lost me as a potential customer, because i simply never buy a car with an automatic gear box, because i simply dont like it. I would have been more than ready to pay the high price for the 4C, as everything about the design of this car is stunning, but now that they have it only as an automatic i simply dont have any other option besides the Elise and the Exige if i want to have a compact, mid engine, rear wheel drive sportscar without powered steering and a sweet manual gear box.

    • @bigmastaduke
      @bigmastaduke Před 6 lety +1

      I understand your point of view :) They would have a suitable transmission in the giulietta. As far as I know the main problem with fitting a manual gearbox is the carbon tub. The underfloor of the tub is completly flat. At the end it was costs saving on the tub production. Although there is at least one manual 4c with a giulietta gearbox. It's a tech demonstrator from AVL with 480hp :) czcams.com/video/t7RTXoc6FYs/video.html

  • @eyeorewolf
    @eyeorewolf Před 4 lety +1

    If you remove and adjust the seats to where the front of the seat is in the highest of three positions and the rear of the seat is in the lowest of the three positions it alters the vehicle in a very positive way. Suddenly you have thigh support and actual recline. It's obvious the Engineers at Alfa Romeo never intended this setup because the front seat bolts become very difficult to install once the modification is complete. The adjustment also requires a slight modification to the center hole on the height adjustment by opening it up to 10.5 mm but that's not really a big deal and the end result is quite worth the effort required. I loved the car to start with and now I love it even more. My next task will be adding two cup holders with some storage and two USB ports for driver and passenger between the seats and the monocoque. I also already added a flasher on the third brake light to alert unattentive drivers behind me that I am in fact slowing down or stopping because I would hate for anyone to ram the backside of my baby. I can see myself owning this car for quite some time but it's important to understand this car is a toy it was never intended to be a daily driver so it's quite lacking in that regard.

  • @samsungflv
    @samsungflv Před 6 lety +14

    If u are looking for a car with carbon chassis, then 4C is an absolute bargain.

    • @afthefragile
      @afthefragile Před 6 lety +2

      The only reason you want a carbon chassis is for lightness but the 4c is heavier than an Elise so what's the point of that expensive carbon chassis?!

    • @test1uci
      @test1uci Před 6 lety +1

      4C coupe - 895 kg
      4C spider - 940 kg
      Elise Cup 250 - 884 kg

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +4

      Yes, the Elise is lighter. Alfa are not honest with their quoted weights. The 4C is over 1000kg

    • @test1uci
      @test1uci Před 6 lety +1

      All specs are for dry weight (without all fluids).
      I don't believe that Lotus without carbon chassis and dual clutch gearbox (with is lighter than manual overall) could save 100 kg comparing to Alfa.
      Alpine A110 has full aluminum body and they managed to get 1100 kg kerb weight.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +1

      My Elise was 866kg wet, a Cup 250 around 930

  • @bigmastaduke
    @bigmastaduke Před 6 lety +6

    In the last 1-2 years you could order the car with leather warped dashboard in the eu. Like the american 4c's were made.

  • @boffintim
    @boffintim Před 6 lety +6

    Loved the fantasy football analogy

  • @ahmadghobadi9803
    @ahmadghobadi9803 Před 5 lety +1

    I like your videos, they are different from many other reviews. They feel more organic, and real. Good job.

  • @tomindenver1331
    @tomindenver1331 Před 6 lety

    I'm an '05 Elise owner with a BOE Rev 400 supercharger added. I stopped by our local Lotus dealer to see an Exige 350 they had on the floor (track only in the U.S.). They had just taken in a 4C on trade for an Evora and invited me to take a few of the sales people around in it, because they were nervous to drive it themselves and "wanted to see what it could do." So I took three of them, one by one, through some foothill twisties outside of Denver. Jay, your review is pretty spot-on. It didn't handle as well as the Elise, but it was more than OK. The dual-clutch was excellent in dynamic mode. The carbon fiber showing through looked cool and the brakes were fine. One big plus was you could easily left-foot brake in it, since you had no clutch to occupy your left foot. It's extra width was hard to get used to. I'll keep the Elise.

  • @curvetrcalinga
    @curvetrcalinga Před 6 lety +22

    The interior will be a notch higher with the leather dash and red stitch. But it's still a better interior than the Exige/Elise.

    • @pete3198
      @pete3198 Před 4 lety

      This is what I thought as well. I thought the interior looked terrible from pics, but when I actually sat in a 4C at a dealership I felt it was surprisingly nice. That being said I sat in one with the expectation of it being Elise-like (i.e. a stripped out spartan sea of plastic and bare metal) and so when I actually sat inside I found it more civilised then I expected.
      I've seen a few photos of these with the leather trimmed dash, and I expect it would make a pretty big difference to that overall ambience.
      But all things considered I do feel that the CLOSEST competitor for this car would be an Elise, and given that the 4C at least comes aircon, a stero, power windows and some seat boldtering as standard it does seem like a definite step up interior wise compared to one of those.
      From what I can see an Elise really does seem to be a MASSIVE compromise compared to any "normal" street car, so if you want a pretty serious sports car without giving up almost EVERY ounce of street usability the 4C seems to be about the only solution out there.

  • @robertlawson2608
    @robertlawson2608 Před 6 lety +3

    Great review. I went to a lot to drive the 4c. Too bare bones interior wise for me. That is when I saw a silver Evora 400. It has my interest. Beautiful exotic looking car.

  • @iltadancestudio5041
    @iltadancestudio5041 Před 6 lety +5

    my Alfa 4C is all leather with beautiful stitches,

  • @RobertKarlBerta
    @RobertKarlBerta Před 5 lety +2

    I think this reviewer is from UK. If so the car they have in Europe has less upscale features than US car. Ours have leather dash and door cards, lots more CF bits and a bit beefier chassis and suspension to meet our more stringent safety standards in the US. That is why Lotus can't sell either the Elise or Exige anymore in the US. It would require a complete re engineering process. I have driven both Elise and the original 4 cylinder super charged Exige and the 4C is significantly faster and more refined. My neighbor has had both a moded Exige 4 cylinder model and now a 4C with similar mods. He says the 4C is significantly faster and equal or better handling. Like any car a few mods make a big difference. On the 4C better tires are number 1 and Jamies (in UK) sells some suspension blocks to add a bit more caster and camber if you want it to feel more like a Lotus. I have owned a lot of cars including a SCCA race car ALFA GTV and a 1969 ALFA spider that I bought new and kept for over 40 years....only sold because I needed the garage space for my 2015 4C Launch Edition. The 4C is really an amazing car and it has been trouble free. In fact the US 4Cs have proven to be pretty much bullet proof cars. The newer 6 Cylinder Exige looks interesting but will never come to the US and it would be a lot more expensive if the European prices are an indication....and that puts it into 911 range here in the US.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 5 lety

      The base V6 Exige costs the same as a 4C here

    • @waynemiller1609
      @waynemiller1609 Před 5 lety

      What tires do you recommend for street driving?I thought the P Zeros that it came with were good tires?

  • @jobselebron5835
    @jobselebron5835 Před 6 lety +6

    I hope you drove the car on Dynamic mode, all video clips are in Natural mode. On Dynamic and Race mode the engine is ready on boost and the gear changes are way faster and aggressive. About the switches for the climate control they work great with driving gloves on, compare to other cars with tiny buttons was easy to adjust without removing the gloves. My US spec Spyder had the leather dash option and different headlamps. On Race mode you get launch control and works great, the DCT in auto mode on Dynamic is very good but on natural is always changing gears. The braking is also direct without assistance and very linear. In the USA is just the only option we have, no Alpine A110 or Lotus other than the Evora. I got a test drive before buying it and have a big discount at sale time. This car is an event to drive and people love it, be ready for the attention it gets. Maintenance and parts are expensive, replacement front windshield was $5,000 US dollars and requires a chassis adjustment every 2 years for about $1,000 US dollars. Build quality is not the best, but in 2 years everything worked ok except the radio unit. Loved the car but sadly the impracticality of it (lack of trunk space and wife hating the car) send me back to Porsche and the Boxster.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      I was driving in dynamic

    • @PRG888
      @PRG888 Před 6 lety

      When looking at the boost gauge on my car as soon as you put your foot even mildly down it goes to the maximum boost.

  • @davidhayes4814
    @davidhayes4814 Před 5 lety +2

    The problem is that it is much cheaper to increase power than to reduce weight, which is a shame. Not just cars, humans too...

  • @klasseact6663
    @klasseact6663 Před 6 lety +1

    Those Euro "spider eyes" headlights are ghastly, my God! The white with the red interior is on the opposite end of that!

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      These are actually optional lights now, the regular looking ones are standard

  • @tulsatombob2769
    @tulsatombob2769 Před 6 lety +1

    Thanks for a very honest review. As an old Alfa aficionado, I owned a 1978 Niki Lauda Edition, Alfa Spyder and it was the most fun I ever had in a car despite the add-on air conditioner was completely useless, it leaked, it was a money pit, but it was a looker. Having owned more than 8 different Toyota models, I never really had any issues and rarely spent money on repairs. That said, I like the idea of the Lotus since it's powered by a Toyota drivetrain. You get Toyota dependability with the sports handling of Lotus.

  • @tomweller1318
    @tomweller1318 Před 6 lety +2

    Having driven two 4c’s back to back the sports suspension is so worth having. I drove then in anger on the alpine test track and almost stuffed the one without the sports suspension because it just didn’t turn into the corner like the one with.

    • @tomweller1318
      @tomweller1318 Před 6 lety +1

      However was very glad to be driving in my Lotus Evora home. Oh the steering in that was night and day compared with the 4c

    • @neverenoughgames72
      @neverenoughgames72 Před rokem

      ​@@tomweller1318 Steering is way better on th Lotus? Im saving atm for an Exige 380, i heard steering in those is next to none.

  • @robinbishop6238
    @robinbishop6238 Před 6 lety +3

    I think you can now spec these with a lot more leather and carbon on the interior. Probably quite expensive but may make the interior feel more upmarket... best to wait for the facelift to come out in November though!

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +1

      You can spec a leather dash, but not the door cards which are available in the USA

  • @JoTokutora
    @JoTokutora Před 6 lety +7

    Overpriced? No, why? Carbon Tub manufacturing cost. The tub is not lighter it is suppose to be stiffer, which it is. You get less body flex on the 4c than the Lotus,, just to clarify. BTW here in the USA, pretty much everyone loves the 4c including 2nd place at Motor trend 2014. The Euro version seem to have the problems. The Coupe here gets more attention and the body lines flow better that the sypder, but that's is subjective. All USA Spec 4c have stitched leather dash interior

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +2

      The Lotus doesn't really suffer from any noticeable body flex. There's no excuses for cheap switchgear at 60K, or in any Alfa

    • @JoTokutora
      @JoTokutora Před 6 lety +4

      Only on the track you will notice. I drive my brothers Elise SC often and own the 4c. The 4c is stiffer than the Elise. The steering on the Elise is better than the 4c. The Elise handles a bit better

    • @djbrianc
      @djbrianc Před 6 lety +1

      JoTokutora exactly. I pointed this out to James in his aforementioned Giulia video.

    • @djbrianc
      @djbrianc Před 6 lety +2

      JayEmm on Cars now I owned an Elise before my 4c Spider. Lovely car but it rattled like everything was not quite tight.

    • @JoTokutora
      @JoTokutora Před 6 lety +2

      @@djbrianc correct. Elise still an awesome machine. But 4c deserve its spot and credit

  • @duncanhowarth9514
    @duncanhowarth9514 Před 4 lety +1

    That exhaust sounds like me on Saturday morning, having had ten pints of Guinness on Friday night in my local.

  • @BookAutowerks
    @BookAutowerks Před 6 lety +2

    Leather interior is an option, although it is still very spartan. I'm not sure why Brit reviewers keep whingeing about the steering manners and ride quality. I've got the track package on mine and it feels just as it should to me. It's a car that is supposed to be driven hard; not a casual cruiser.

    • @__-fm5qv
      @__-fm5qv Před 4 lety +1

      Probably a side effect of our bumpy and very tracked roads. Even cars with assisted steering get there front wheels dragged around all over the place on some roads, and if the car is especially prone to it, it does standout. As for ride quality a lot of cars handle and ride better with softer suspension depending on where you are in the country as the tires keep better contact with the road. So overall I think its just a side effect of our narrow crappy roads that are essentially just tarmac covered dirt rutted roads that used to be for a horse and cart.

  • @rogerchadwick3452
    @rogerchadwick3452 Před 2 lety +2

    The 4c is the best car I ever owned..end off....The Elise is so kit car...

  • @jacquesmartin9741
    @jacquesmartin9741 Před rokem

    Excellent presentation, as usual!!

  • @darrenporter1850
    @darrenporter1850 Před 6 lety +16

    I have local dealership wanting me to buy one and sell my Elise, and yes, never even offered me a test drive. Bizarre. I'm not interested though.

    • @blademanx
      @blademanx Před 5 lety

      no test drive?? not a damn Ferrari

    • @hotsauce3700
      @hotsauce3700 Před 5 lety

      Never sell your Elise for a POS 4c.

  • @fragu123
    @fragu123 Před 6 lety +3

    Your are definitely on the right track.... well done👏👏👏

  • @matmulder
    @matmulder Před 6 lety +5

    I almost bought one 3-4 months back when they dropped down below £35k and they were glacial sellers. However, they've had a resurgence in demand, prices are closer to £40k now with very limited supply. On the flipside, there are more and more

  • @CuoreSportivo
    @CuoreSportivo Před 3 lety

    i can't believe they didn't let you for a test drive, i've been to amsterdam for a touristic trip, went to an alfa dealer and asked if could go for a spin with the 4C. they were like; here are the keys, have fun!

  • @alfo4c489
    @alfo4c489 Před 6 lety

    the price is totally silly these days. i bought my 4c 3 years ago brand new for 57t eur with almost every option. Since then i have done 64tkm with many trackdays and almost 0 problems. when you change the suspension, put some semislicks on it and turn up the boost you are as fast as a exige v6 ore a cayman GT4. On my last trackday i had some really nice laps with two ktm xbow R!

  • @simonspencer3108
    @simonspencer3108 Před 2 lety

    A terrifically informative video. Epic!

  • @sneakerjoe23
    @sneakerjoe23 Před 5 lety +1

    These are 100x better looking and nicer than a lotus. I’d still rather have an exige though. If the 4c came with a manual though....

  • @NishantDash
    @NishantDash Před 6 lety +2

    Great vid man! I was lowkey expecting you to give it more flak lol!

  • @1183newman
    @1183newman Před 6 lety +1

    Been waiting for this, great video

  • @BurpleRX7
    @BurpleRX7 Před 6 lety

    I have moved a few of these and your right, the torque is very low down and will make you giggle like a child but then when you actually hit big roads and motorway speeds it’s all a bit ....MEH,
    And the worst thing for me knowing how “Italian” the Italians can be,, watching the pillar flex if you open the door a little bit to enthusiastically. I don’t want to see the carbon fibre monocoque that is holding my engine in and protecting my soft bits meeting it point blank flex like that

  • @Peter-ji5hz
    @Peter-ji5hz Před 6 lety +1

    Stunning car such a shame they went to pound land for the dash I still would buy one tho there are a few companies doing nice carbon interior upgrades

  • @henryhol8538
    @henryhol8538 Před 6 lety +9

    A well balanced review. Alfa take note: If you are going to update this model, for heavens sake put in a decent interior!

    • @bigmastaduke
      @bigmastaduke Před 6 lety +3

      It's not a show car it's a street legal race car. There are already enough show cars on the market :)

    • @djbrianc
      @djbrianc Před 6 lety +6

      All cars can be specked with full leather with contrast stitching but these people never seem to bother. It’s standard in America.

    • @waynemiller1609
      @waynemiller1609 Před 5 lety +3

      The U.S. version has the premium interior and it’s absolutely beautiful!!!

  • @pete3198
    @pete3198 Před 4 lety

    Really appreciate this video!
    I'm looking to buy a new weekend car 12-18 months from now to replace my current one (an Alfa 147 GTA - so yeah a big jump! haha)
    I already have a Mercedes C250 as a daily driver, so it will be a pure weekend car - which means practicality and running costs aren't super critical. For that reason I'm actually considering some relatively impractical cars like a second gen Elise, 986 Boxter S, ND MX-5 and Alfa 4C.
    My problem is that i'm about 5'11" (180cm) and around 150kg, and while I'm currently on a diet and trying to get healthier I am a pretty big dude. I owned an NA MX-5 about 15 years ago and loved it, but I wa about 100kg then - I sat in an NB MX-5 a few years back when I was at my current weight and I was struggling to even close the door. So I'm not really sure how I'll fit in an ND MX-5 or an Elise.
    On the plus side I did sit in a 4C Spider at a Maserati dealiership maybe 3 or so years ago (when I was pretty much the same size as now) and even at my size it fit me like a glove - I didnt feel cramped at all, and I actually didn't have much trouble getting in or out. So for that reason I've been seriously considering a 4C. Reviews on them seem pretty hit and miss, but a lot of the reviews seem to look at the car from the perspective of a daily driver - comparing it to cars like the Cayman - and often bag on about things like practicality, lack of features, etc.
    It's actually really good to see a review of the car from the perspective of somebody who is accustomed to driving around in something as "hardcore" as an Elise. Thanks! Also have really enjoyed your videos so far, so consider me subscribed!! :D

  • @triode1212
    @triode1212 Před 4 lety +1

    The biggest issue with the 4C is that it didn't come with a manual transmission.

  • @countspankulots4024
    @countspankulots4024 Před rokem

    Imagine a 4C with one of those beautiful 3/3.2l V6 engines. Or whatever is in the awesome Quattrofrommagio

  • @Kodreanu23
    @Kodreanu23 Před 6 lety

    Authentic review. Bravo!

  • @amcluesent
    @amcluesent Před 6 lety +2

    OMG! That head unit could have come from Halfrauds!

    • @PRG888
      @PRG888 Před 6 lety

      It is trully crap... But I don't miss not using a radio

  • @whitevanman8703
    @whitevanman8703 Před rokem

    Exhaust sounds like an original Mini Cooper.

  • @StephenButlerOne
    @StephenButlerOne Před 6 lety +6

    I've never heard an argument where the answer isn't always , more cow. Cow just works.

  • @alphaboy1872
    @alphaboy1872 Před 4 lety

    Jay they are going up in value in the US since production has stopped.

  • @tombell7670
    @tombell7670 Před 6 lety +2

    Interesting Alfa review , my personal opinion is Lotus Exige any day. I remember seeing the 4C at Goodwood for the first time back in 2014 or 15 and thinking WOW! But I think it's aged badly and now I think it looks slightly ugly, same with the S3 Exige, lost the sharp looks of the S2 especially the front end.

    • @another3997
      @another3997 Před 6 lety +1

      @Antonio Bandini You have a lower IQ than a used tampon. If you were any more dense, you'd be a lead weight, but without the looks.
      And the glue that holds the Elise together is very similar to that which holds the wings on to several modern jet fighters. It's strength and reliability is off the scale. Just like your stupidity.

    • @VinnigsSpinTheBlock
      @VinnigsSpinTheBlock Před 5 lety

      A Nother hhaahahahahahahahahahahaha killed his ass hahahahaa

  • @schunkelperser1794
    @schunkelperser1794 Před 6 lety

    Another charming, different, detailed Review. Thanks for that! The car itself: A manual gearbox would be appreciated. And...WHO stole those Headlights from the 80ies Movie „The Fly“? 🤨

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      Thanks Jan. Those headlights are now an expensive extra!

  • @wowbagger66
    @wowbagger66 Před 6 lety

    As others have said the carbon tub gives a huge torsional stiffness advantage so just going on about the weight is meaningless, the torsional stiffness of the Elise is around 11000 Nm/deg which is very poor for a modern car, I couldn't find figures for the 4c but the fact that the steel bodied Alfa 159 saloon has a torsional stiffness of 31,400 Nm/deg puts some perspective on it.
    I have test driven a supercharged Elise, 4C spider and Coupe, the 4C felt like a junior supercar and the Elise reminded me of my old GTM kit car.
    I can understand that people like the Elise but for me it just was not even close to being in the same league as the 4C.
    I intend to get a 4C spider with the leather covered dash as soon as I can afford one.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      The 159 Saloon weighed a ridiculous amount, it means nothing for the 4C at all - and the spyder/coupe will have a big difference in rigidity too

    • @wowbagger66
      @wowbagger66 Před 6 lety

      I was just using the 159 as an example of a car with good torsional stiffness. The difference in rigidity between the 4C Spider and coupe is not great because the carbon tub is what provides the strength rather than the roof.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      wowbagger66 You'd be surprised. The difference is that the carbon tub no longer required a roof to have acceptable stiffness. Lotus use similar principles but different materials

  • @thunderfox
    @thunderfox Před 5 lety +1

    Sorry Jay you're wrong about the ventilation switches. They come from the 1992 Punto MK1! Also from the 1997 Seicento!
    And they're still used to this day, in the Alfa 4C and the Citroen E-Mehari!
    Talk about parts bin!

  • @barbieandbellaadventuresby9134

    Totally agree re the interior truly shocking. The radio?! WTF it’s something from the 90’s. Such as shame as from the outside it’s very pretty.
    It is expensive too.

    • @waynemiller1609
      @waynemiller1609 Před 5 lety

      The alpine head unit with the premium audio option sounds excellent, even playing mp3s through bluetooth that is depending on the source material!!!

  • @michaelhorwitz7933
    @michaelhorwitz7933 Před 6 lety +1

    Had a chance to drive one pretty impressive car

  • @curvetrcalinga
    @curvetrcalinga Před 5 lety +1

    The interior was the same design concept as the F40, cheap interior on a very expensive sports car. At least the US bound has leather dash with red stitches.

    • @rickc2102
      @rickc2102 Před 4 lety +1

      F40 wasn't cheap interior.
      F40 was no interior.

  • @665Thunder
    @665Thunder Před 5 lety +1

    uncommunicative steering comes from Porsche paying Evo to convince everyone about it - it kind of worked

  • @nathanmercer4652
    @nathanmercer4652 Před 6 lety

    £35-40k in a V6 Exige or one of these? I've had a 111R for 7 years and fancy a change. Drove the V6 when launched and loved it, now in a position to buy but admit my head has been turned by the Alfa. I know my money's safe in a Lotus, still not sure about the 4C despite claims that values are holding firm. Used examples seem to hang around for ages yet Exiges in this price bracket sell very quickly (apart from yellow ones, it seems!) Really need to get a drive in the 4C if at all possible..

  • @ChrisWeston13
    @ChrisWeston13 Před 6 lety

    Excellent video!!!

  • @MrKeyboardCommando
    @MrKeyboardCommando Před 6 lety

    Well, Cletus, you can tell your innumerable questioners that the 4C has two overwhelming advantages; to wit, the name is pronounceable and it looks absolutely beautiful. After that, it's horses for courses.

  • @iMANTlS
    @iMANTlS Před 4 lety

    You forgot that outside UK, lotus almost has no market.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 4 lety

      Actually they do very well in Japan, but in honesty the company has very little presence even here - they sold 1500 cars globally last year

    • @iMANTlS
      @iMANTlS Před 4 lety

      @@JayEmmOnCars I'm in Mid East, Bought full spec 4c with assured heart as there is no lotus or any other competitors and the Cayman 6 c is double the price. Got it a brand new around 44k$

  • @quinnjim
    @quinnjim Před 4 lety

    Pretty frustrating to see guys complain that there isn't a plush interior. It's a sports car! If they added a bunch to the interior, it would add weight (and not help performance at all). It's like some of the reviewers don't "get it" with this car. Just stick to SUV's.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 4 lety

      There's a difference between plush and hideously cheap though
      This is not as nice an interior as an MX5

  • @PRG888
    @PRG888 Před 6 lety +4

    I have a 4c coupe with the Alfaworks kit on it and a quicksilver exhaust and it's sublime. in Competizone red.
    I will never sell it. Fantastic little car. I got mine for below 40K so for me is a bit of a bargain.
    I predict 4c prices will soon start to rise especially as the coupe has stopped being sold.
    You should replace your Evora with one.

    • @darrenbrace93
      @darrenbrace93 Před 4 lety

      Just joined the party too. Rosso comp spider on the way and I've never been more excited! Everybody recommends Alfaworks kit but I'll see how I get on with the quirky steering first

  • @acchaladka
    @acchaladka Před 6 lety

    I notice you’re not really comparing this to anything in the Porsche lineup. I take it this is leagues ahead of the Caymans or other options over there? I’d go Exige but I’m making more Porsche 944 money at the moment.

  • @EOtekk
    @EOtekk Před 6 lety

    I wouldn't really call this overpriced. You can get these used for $40,000. 2006 Lotus Exiges still hover in the $60k range.

    • @ChapHammersmith
      @ChapHammersmith Před 5 lety

      I think you misunderstand the use of the word. Overpriced is based on their new prices. The fact that the 4c doesn’t hold its value compared to an Exige makes it a substantially worse buy from new. The depreciation (considering they are rarer) speaks volumes for how they compare as drivers cars to to Elises/Exiges.

  • @garygamble1963
    @garygamble1963 Před 4 lety

    Only just catching up with this vid during lockdown. Anyway, it's the first JayEmm video I've watched where James' narrative was overwhelmed by the dull, persistent engine droning. I like Alfas but not the 4C.

  • @josephbarker6608
    @josephbarker6608 Před 5 lety +2

    All this bloke does is find faults with Alfa Romeo. To tell the truth he is not worthy to drive an Alfa. He
    Needs to get back in his BMW.
    No wonder he does not feel comfortable in the seats he just about can fit in it

  • @erichollar5503
    @erichollar5503 Před 6 lety

    In the U.K. do chickens live in a cou-pay?

  • @1HappyBob
    @1HappyBob Před 4 lety

    The quality of these videos is exceptional - I’ve made a conscious effort to share on an ongoing basis. Fair is fair.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 4 lety +1

      Very kind Bob, check out some of my newer stuff too - I'm always trying to improve! If you like Alfa Stuff, seek out my SZ review

    • @1HappyBob
      @1HappyBob Před 4 lety

      JayEmm on Cars The 4C happened to follow the 570s (I’m not mad about the 4C) - I’ve been watching lots of your videos for ages! Have you reviewed the C63(S)? Thinking of a change from a 997.1 C2S Tip. Your own tipping point is happening / imminent - keep it going Jay 👍👍

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 4 lety

      @@1HappyBob I haven't driven the new 4L cars if that's what you are thinking, only the older W204

    • @1HappyBob
      @1HappyBob Před 4 lety

      JayEmm on Cars that’s the one - one day, no doubt 👍

  • @graemerolfe1573
    @graemerolfe1573 Před 3 lety

    Can you get an 8C to test?

  • @sotirisbakaimis3276
    @sotirisbakaimis3276 Před 4 lety

    good video/review

  • @mikereed9963
    @mikereed9963 Před 6 lety

    Friends don't make friends hold a camera for the entire trip. 7:18

  • @Archi2g
    @Archi2g Před 6 lety

    nice car but it's 2wide for my neighborhood, would rather an a110 if i had that kind of money.

  • @rabbishekelstein9477
    @rabbishekelstein9477 Před 5 lety

    Think jay missed the point... You're paying for the tub and drivetrain, not the switchgear!

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 5 lety

      And the drivetrain is extremely ordinary, the tub is good but not good enough to justify the asking price alone

  • @jeremyjoya958
    @jeremyjoya958 Před 4 lety

    Sounds amazing

  • @nrs6956
    @nrs6956 Před 6 lety +3

    Viva Alfa Romeo

  • @fredsalfa
    @fredsalfa Před 4 lety

    Alfas much better looking than any Lotus. Although agree the interior is shocking

  • @fiercegladiator7000
    @fiercegladiator7000 Před 6 lety +2

    Man, why you complain so much. Read some Alfa romeo history. They have not made a production vehicle since the 1940's. So please have some grace upon them. Remember they taught Firarri how to drive.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +3

      They've made plenty of cars since the 40s

    • @nessuno5403
      @nessuno5403 Před 4 lety

      Fierce Idiotic Gladiator... this is made by Maserati for Alfa Romeo

  • @davidebonannini640
    @davidebonannini640 Před 6 lety

    How can you tell when a car is overpriced without data such as r&d costs, materials, hours of work per unit, work cost etc?

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      Because you have to judge it by what it is, and I know what the cost of many materials are - it would not have ruined Alfa to make a few small but key improvements to this car's interior.
      Remember you can get this drivetrain in a car less than half the price

    • @davidebonannini640
      @davidebonannini640 Před 6 lety

      JayEmm on Cars yes i totally agree with the interior, but like you said it wouldn't have affacted the price that much. I think a solid carbontub is quite expensive though. This car isn't made in an assembly chain, which also raises the cost i guess.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      Lotus are all hand made too, yet they can chuck out a similar car for a lot less. Yeah the carbon tub costs a bit but they knew that before they built it

    • @davidebonannini640
      @davidebonannini640 Před 6 lety

      Of course they knew, and so do the customers. I don't know what engine Lotus uses, for sure isnt their own made. We do give value to these things in Europe, i know it may sound pretentious.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      The David Lotus use Toyota drivetrains although in very different configurations to their original applications

  • @TheSaint491
    @TheSaint491 Před 5 lety

    Would still be better if a manual was offered

  • @aevans148
    @aevans148 Před 6 lety

    Is the MX5 not the mainstream option, albeit a lot slower and perhaps a tad heavier?

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      It's so much cheaper and slower it is in a different class really

    • @aevans148
      @aevans148 Před 6 lety

      @@JayEmmOnCars yes, I also meant it's cheap price probably puts it as the mainstream option but if you mean the higher price brand, then yes probably. Although I very rarely see Elise's about

  • @moimoi4725
    @moimoi4725 Před 4 lety

    So, is it worth going from an Evora 400 to a 4C when I can get one brand new for 54,000 US dls?

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 4 lety +1

      Only if you want a weekend toy, which can't really be taken away for the weekend

  • @lucianolucidi8624
    @lucianolucidi8624 Před 4 lety

    Agree totally on you

  • @funkyhouseman
    @funkyhouseman Před 6 lety +1

    Had one, loved and hated it! Mainly hated it.

    • @kev8839
      @kev8839 Před 6 lety

      That’s not saying much in itself. What did you love and hate about it?

    • @nessuno5403
      @nessuno5403 Před 4 lety

      It's a big compromise. Dynamically not perfect, especially the steering. Little to no storage. Poor visibility and entry/exit. Basic to poor componentry (e.g. air con, sound system, cruise control).

  • @ItsTheNada
    @ItsTheNada Před 6 lety

    Great review. This has always been a car I've wanted to know more about.

  • @EBR3O
    @EBR3O Před 6 lety

    Alfa discontinued the coupe. Why Alfa!!! Beautiful car indeed.

  • @Twistid5one3
    @Twistid5one3 Před 6 lety

    I still say it needs power steering, AWD, and the quadrifoglio engine. I mean I don't get why the don't add these things.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +4

      Because the quad engine and gearbox would not fit and AWD would make zero sense in a car like this

    • @Jabber-ig3iw
      @Jabber-ig3iw Před 6 lety +4

      Thank god you don’t design cars, that sounds awful.

    • @Twistid5one3
      @Twistid5one3 Před 6 lety

      How would it not fit? It a rear mounted engine all they got to do is widen the engine bay a little bit. Basically just use less plastic inside. And that's your opinion, obviously most people think the way it's designed now is fucking horrible based on its sales.

    • @Twistid5one3
      @Twistid5one3 Před 6 lety

      And AWD always makes sense in 2018

    • @Twistid5one3
      @Twistid5one3 Před 6 lety

      I mean why would anyone buy this pile of shit over a Audi tt rs? 60k for this car and the hp is less than 300 gtfo

  • @mikereed9963
    @mikereed9963 Před 6 lety

    HOLD THAT CAMERA STEADY! It's just a few minutes longer. 12:01

  • @djbrianc
    @djbrianc Před 6 lety

    Again you could have specked the car in full leather. It’s standard in America. And contrast stitching.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety

      Not in Europe - the leather dash is an option, that's it

    • @djbrianc
      @djbrianc Před 6 lety

      JayEmm on Cars. An option you did not have but you could have. That’s worth noting. And as I stated in another post. Maybe it was felt that you Europeans would value lightness over luxuries.

  • @BigUriel
    @BigUriel Před 3 lety

    They have really got some fucking idiots running Alfa/Fiat these days, it's surprising how they managed to get the Giulia done somewhat right. This car had so much potential, but who in their right minds though a little 4 cylinder hatchback engine and those cheap Punto interiors in a 50 grand car was a good idea?
    Also those stupid last minute atrocious spider headlights.

  • @norwegianblue2017
    @norwegianblue2017 Před 5 lety

    How is that a European car is cheaper in the US than in Europe, and not by a small amount?

  • @chrisroberts1440
    @chrisroberts1440 Před 6 lety

    There is quite a lot I like about these, however that gear change fart really turns me off.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  Před 6 lety +1

      Symtpom of modern cars, all.engineered in

    • @colin5577
      @colin5577 Před 5 lety

      Audi/VW are masters of the 'art' of this ASBO-shift feature. It's rank. I'm not sure who they do it for when so many of their 'sporty' cars are aimed at people who don't like cars.

  • @ProjectFairmont
    @ProjectFairmont Před 4 lety +1

    Yea, the 4C is a good choice of a sports car. Always entertaining.

  • @funemployed468
    @funemployed468 Před 6 lety +3

    Thats what I hate about car reviews... Noone actually has a clue what they‘re saying after driving for 10min.

  • @mikereed9963
    @mikereed9963 Před 6 lety

    WRONG TURN AT 4:29. You should have gone straight ahead.

  • @gsgcarreviews
    @gsgcarreviews Před 3 lety

    Jay always provides a fresh perspective, different from all others. 💪
    If you want another perspective of the Alfa Romero 4c check out my channel. I pursued a LAMBO through the canyons in one video and reviewed it in another. THIS CAR IS A BEAST