599 or Alfa 8C

I like your phraseology, but hope you are wrong. I bought one and as yet, never seen an Alfa 8C.

 

Parking space won't be an issue for me since the building I live in offers 4 deeded spaces per unit and I only have two cars. I will be using the car in the city (like Manhattan, but better road surfaces) for the most of time. Occasionally on Highways. I prefer 8C because it's smaller, better to look at, and probably nimbler. But I can't be certain that this car will be ferrari type of fun to drive. My grey importer has decided to import the car anyway so I'll just have to wait until it's here.

 

For the Alfa lovers:
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204632

 

IMHO pretty much every supercar today can perform well beyond the drivers capacity to control it. With performance differences measured in mere 10ths of a second or less, who is to say which car is really better. So for me, it boiled down to looks, and here I think the tiny 8C has it in spades. I'm personally not a brand bigot, so I have no blind loyalties to one marque vs another. So I ordered a Grigio Nuvolari 8C. My only question is if I should have waited for the convertible?

 

When did you order one? How do i order mine for the US, and or get my grubby hands on one??

 

well i think you will be genuinely happy, I'm sure the car will perform awesome and the quality will be second to none, it just boils down to brunettes and blondes, we all have our own particular wants and needs and then we have our fantasy's, i hope she fulfills yours!

 

i can't say i've driven either one, so maybe my comments are useless. but for sheer beauty and exclusivity, it is the Alfa, hands downl do i dare say the Ferrari is more mass produced, giving fewer problems?!

 

Really wish I could... but I live in Korea and the car is in Germany. I don't even know the dealer at Germany would let me test drive even if I manage myself to be there.
I had a chance to get behind the wheel of 599 last night. A friend of my friend was nice enough to let me drive his rosso corsa 599. Looked way better in metal. Certainly better looking than my 430. It felt lighter and nimbler than I thought and what a sound in made! I wish the car was smaller though. I prefer 8C's look and compactness. But not sure 8C will be powerful and agile enough to replace my 430. Comments from anyone who has driven an 8C Please!![/QUOTE]

I know such dealer,pm me

 

So what? The 8C isn't an "Alpha" either, it's an Alfa Romeo. I have only seen the 8C in pictures, but it looks much better than a 599. The 8C isn't a regular Alfa either. The engine is made by Ferrari. Alfa Romeo's racing history goes back to before the Ferrari company was founded.

 

I think it was March when I spec'd it, but it may have been earlier. By now I think they are all allocated, and perhaps deliveries start as early as this month. Mine will be one of the last ones because of the non standard paint, and (frankly) my relative unimportance in the Ferrari world - probably December, I would think.

I'm not of the impression that there was huge demand, so I suspect there will be several resales available at a discount to MSRP, or you can inquire about the convertible.

 

Entire discussion is pointless,since it is apples vs oranges comparison.
Might as well discuss advantages of Granturismo vs 612,similarly similar and pointless....

 

I have read all of the replies so far and I simply can't reconcile the idea of an 8 cylinder Alfa Romeo, no matter how exclusive or pretty or well sorted or any other positive adjectives it might attract, being positively compared head to head with what is arguably the best production car that Ferrari have ever produced and one that has 12 cylinder motivation to boot.
With all due respect, I think the people who prefer the 8C over the 599 are IMO temporarily insane

 

I've seen & driven the 599 - it is truly an amazing car. However, for those that would purchase either for the performance aspect of it solely, would they actually be taken to any kind of performance driving event? In all the events I've been to - there were 8 cyl Ferraris and a few Gallardos as of recent - but never the "big-boys." (Or rarely any cars over $200k except for spec'd racing-vehicles) I believe that either of these vehicles would never be driven by the majority of the people that buy them, at anywhere near or above 6/10th's.

So - that being said - a car that costs as much as either of these - surely aesthetics count high? Both of these vehicles far exceed their driver's abilities - at least the majority of the owners. So, if the car is barely going to be used past 6/10ths - and they cost tons of money - I'd choose the one that brought the most satisfaction visually and audibly as well... in this case - the 8c. (as an added benefit - if Alfa actually maintains their "500 & no more" policy - for those that plan on keeping either one for more than 10 years - the 8c wins hands down in terms of capital loss or possible gain.) Oh yea - know of one available?

Again - opinions are like.....


Sean


Ps -

Napolis or others that have the 8c on order - could you perhaps answer the below for me?

Out of curiosity - does anyone either have a scan/copy of the ordering spec-sheet (listing available options) for the 8c (coupe, not spider), or the actual ordering book ("super-premium sales kit")?

Is it a "world-car?" (Can it be brought to the US without any issues - like the Z8 or Enzo were able to?)

Sincere thanks

 

The first 8C just arrived in HK and my friend let me take it for a drive today. My 8C arrives in about a month. I have owned 2 599's and presently have a Scuderia. The 8C is big fun. Exhaust note is fantastic, downshifting produces lots of popping, handling perfectly fine. Most of all the car is drop dead gorgeous and that counts. Build quality seemed most accpetable. I am happy to have the GTS drive train - easy parts and repairs. Car is compact and nimble. Much better suited to HK size wise than a 599. Unfortunately it only comes in LHD so I cannot register it -otherwise I would in heartbeat. Seriously cool car

 

Look forward to your driving impression comparisons, has it arrived yet?

 

Your comment on size is interesting. There is no question a smaller sized car is alot easier/more fun to drive in HK or Europe.

Happy Golden Week!

 

Jim, what color did you order your 8C in?

 

P 4/5 Red

 

I assume that is not a color available as an option, but a one off for you. Either way enjoy it in good health. Thanks for the information regarding a few of those stocks yesterday as well.

Best,
T.

 

Thanks. Yes one off paint.

 

One off paint for car #1

 

Well,to resurect this old thread,the whole discussion (in US market at least) is moot at this point.
You people,waiting for 8C,are not going to get it after all.....
By the time they may finally bring it in ,it will be totally obsolete anyway....

 

I'm picking up mine today. It looks very pretty in P 4/5 Red. Alfa has kindly sent their development driver to show me how to enjoy her. They'll be picking me up in a few minutes.

 

Dear AutoWeek

I'm beginning to wonder if it's something personal. First you put a computer generated photo of a car I commissioned on the cover of one of your issues, Ferrari P 4/5 by Pininfarina, that looks nothing like my car and then you state on Page 7 of your November 3, issue that:

"Alfa had planned to introduce the 8C Competizione this summer but pushed it back to 2010" which is also incorrect as mine which they so kindly painted P 4/5 Red will be sitting in my garage on Wednesday."

(I'll be happy to snap a photo of her sitting next to P 4/5 if you want)

Best

Jim Glickenhaus

 

Yes, please. Also, driving impressions? Particularly compared to the offerings from Ferrari?

Thanks!