599 or Alfa 8C

Jim, this is very exciting. Not sure if you visit it already, but if not I know the folks over at the Alfa BB would love to hear about this.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/alfa-romeo-8c-competizione-spider/

 

Congrats Jim, please tell us what it is like to drive when you get a moment.

 

Very balanced and nimble. Wonderful sounds. Stable at speed and responsive steering. A Great GT. Perfect to drive through Vermont. I really like her and am impressed.

 

Where are the pics, your killing me!

-dsd

 

Use it in good health Jim, always your comments are much appreciated.

 

I'm somewhat late to this discussion but I must say the Alfa should never be compared to the 599. While it may be quicker around a track there is truly no other area for comparison or similarity between the two.

In design, the Alfa is pretty, perhaps interesting but nowhere near the level of sophistication and sheer sculpture that is the 599. I truly do not think people understand how advanced the latest generation of Ferraris are in their design. It is a completely higher level than any other marquee. And I originally did not like the 599 based on the pictures. It wasn't until I saw videos of it in motion, next to other cars that the brilliant sophistication of the design became clear.

The interior, engine note and any other intangibles of the 599 are clearly unreachable for the Alfa.

The Alfa, however, is well positioned to be a great success for Alfa, without stepping on Ferrari's toes. One could conceivably own both and be very happy.


Forza,


Cavallini

 

It's true that one must see the 599 in flesh in order to appreciate all the complex designs. The tucked under belt line, flying buttress, wrap around rear window, catamaran styling and a V12 sitting impossibly low in a front-mid engine setup. It's an amazing engineering design that requires some understanding of the function to appreciate.

The 8C on the other hand - it brings tears to your eyes just to look at it. It is a classic beauty revived from the golden design age of the 1960's and then some. As much as I appreaciate the engineering and performance of the 599. the 8C is in a league of its own - I'll put it right up on the list along with the Dino and 250 California. The 8C is the definition of Italian beauty. I wouldn't care if it had a 6 cylinder Toyota engine, the car is too good looking to pass up. It's unfortunate Alpha picked a price that's borderline ridiculous for a car that could have been the perfect 911 killer.

 

Having Driven both I can say there is no comparison for me. I have always preferred curves, agility and rarity.

 

The 8c's interior is up to par with the Ferrari by all means. Having heard both, I can tell you that the 8c also has a much better exhaust note than a stock 599 (and a stock 599 sounds great IMO).

The 8c looks stunning in pictures, and even better when you see it in flesh.

The 8c is something very special.


P.S.- I love the 599 too.

 

In the Early Morning Light...
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Fantastic! P 4/5 red really suits it. More pics when you have time, please.

 

You lost me with that statement. Napolis may well realise how advanced the latest generation of Ferraris are in their design. I might realise that too having owned and used extensively my choices of the latest generation including 599's and 430 Scuderia amongst others. You are entitled to your opinions but give us the benefit of the doubt as to whether we realise how advanced the latest generation of Ferraris are in their design...

 

Cheers!

 

Congratulations Jim!
Enjoy it, as I know you will, by driving it rather than simply admiring it as a static display.

I must say that when I first saw it in Signor Righini's castle, alongside the 815 and the Nuvolari 8C, it looked perfectly at home
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Thanks. Great Photo. It really does.

Hope U Guys are Well!!

 

Your car looks fantastic. Great photo. Wonderful that she has arrived and you are enjoying her.

 

Awesome!! Enjoy her in good health - she's a beauty.

 

That car is gorgeous! I don't know which one drives better, but it is clear which one looks better.

 

I wasn't implying everyone didn't realize the design advancements of the latest Ferraris. It's merely a trend I've noticed.

And I didn't say other makes and models aren't very beautiful.

To me, however, Ferrari has moved in a direction I haven't seen from any other make, including Lamborghini, Maserati and Alfa, though I'd say those are the closest in terms of sophistication.

Of course, what is sophisticated to one is overdone to another. ;-)


Forza,


Cavallini

 

I agree the Alfa is more "classic" and it is beautiful but my point was the overall sophistication of the design of the 599, and to an even greater degree, the Enzo.

My point is not just about the beauty but what the designer strived for and achieved with their design.

For example, the DB9 is a stunning beauty but as a design I don't think it's as much of an achievement as the 599. The same could be said of the Carrera GT compared to an Enzo.

Forza,



Cavallini

 

And this makes sense and is as it should be. My point was not about the relative beauty or preference of the Alfa. My point was about the overall design achievements of each car.

I think the same reason why the 599 isn't viewed as a "beauty" is precisely because it is so sophisticated. For the same reason the simplicity of the Alfa's design is seen as more "beautiful" and "classic."

I don't disagree with that. Especially since it seems to be a very, very different type of car compared to the 599. Similar in that they have only 2 seats and powerful engines but different in most other ways.

You pointed out this difference and your preferences above. To me, this is why this car is a HR and why I said one could own both and enjoy them for their own merits.


Forza,



Cavallini

 

Personally, I don't think the 8c's cabin is on the same level as the 599's but that could simply be a matter of personal taste. As is, I believe, the exhaust note. The Alfa's is great music but I personally prefer the tenor of a Ferrari 12, especially with Tubi.

FWIW, I prefer the Aston sound more than both Alfa and 599.


Forza,


Cavallini

 

BTW, enjoy it!! It seems like a true mountain rocket, like a hand-tailored suit. ;-)


Forza,


Cavallini

 

Did you ever hear an 8C "live"?

 

Ditto that. Down shifts burble like a WRC car.