Alfa Romeo 164 T-Spark Lusso Review

Overall Rating

Performance. Engine & exhaust note. amazing handlng that fools you into thinking it is smaller and lighter

Er, that handling can catch you out. It may FEEL small and light but like all these big beasts, it bites if you smack it too often!

Alfa Romeo - I bought my first Alfa years ago to scare myself silly and it worked. Since then I have been driving various Beemers, a few Merc's, Jags and even a Boxster. Also had to suffer a Metro, a Rover 800 (not that bad, very comfy) and a Lancia Dedra (bits fell off every day!).
I thought it was time I go back to the only car that makes me enjoy driving, Alfa Romeo.
I now need a bigger, safer and more luxurious car so I chose a Alfa Romeo 164 T-Spark Lusso. The 2.0 litre is a better handler than my old 3.0v6, if not as scary fast or sonorous. I have since had it mildly modified however and it is now much quicker with an improved "singing voice". The comfort is beyond reproach, being just a little on the firm side rather than squidgy like a Merc or numb like a Beemer. Whilst the BMWs may turn in and hold a line better, their responses are a little antiseptic and flatter the average driver - hence their popularity. The Alfa requires attention and can scare the life out of even experienced drivers. A friend who is a race instructor spun it twice at Oulton Park !!!
Like I said, the handling feels responsive then it suddenly bites due to it's length, weight and front-wheel drive.
I have driven an Italian market 4 wheel drive model and it was superb!!! Easily out-handled a bmw 328 and posted faster lap times despite being heavier and on road tyres. The 2.0 was just as powerful as the BMW 328 !!! (German engines are ALWAYS under-tuned for reliability, although my BMW broke down constantly and cost a fortune.)

In summation, a fantastic car, great fun, but I dread the day something expensive goes wrong and I can't work out what it is....inevitable but worth it.

Members' Comments onDarkinHere's Review

• jgm9979 on 2nd May 2004

  I have a 1994 Alfa Romeo 2.0 T.Spark (Not A Lusso). I have to agree with your comments about the cars handling, great in the dry but things can get very sideways in the wet if you aren't careful, other than that its a beautiful car, its fast, reliable (so far!) and its got those gorgeous pininfarina lines. I had a problem with the rear crossmember, it was rotten, a rubbish design but I replaced it with a pukka AR one and thoroughly rustproofed it so that should be OK, and I have the seized handbrake problem, too. I had a cracked tank in the radiator as well but got it rebuilt for £85 and so far so good. I bought it a year ago for £600 with FSH, half a years MOT and my first bit of auction experience.