0 useful votes
Review Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.0 JTS Manual 2003
Submitted by chelseaboy
Key strengths: Much improved engine
Areas for improvement: Limited luggage space
This restyled model is a big improvement over the earlier GTV versions. It's a pity nothing could be done regarding the downright ugly radio aerial still poking out of the rear-side, but the restyling of the bonnet has managed to lift quite a few years from its overall looks.
In order to avoid the omnipresent failure in proper window-sealing there is an automatic lowering-raising of the window every time the door is opened. Although this solution rescues the defect it still can be viewed at best as a "patch" rather than a serious attempt to solve a design problem.
The 2.0 JTS engine is a beauty, the 165 HP really giving an edge over the earlier 2.0 Twin Spark versions (especially when the air conditioning is up and running).
The only disappointment are the brakes. They work well and efficiently, but their "spongy" feeling gives a somewhat annoying feeling of insecurity (at least for me). Frankly, I preferred the one son my older 2.0 twin Spark GTV.
Internal furnishings are also of very good quality (as opposed to its predecessor) and the inbuilt CD/radio system blends in nicely with the front panel.
Instruments are now lighted in red (as opposed to the original green). This has been claimed as a major upgrade, but, quite frankly, I fail to see a big difference. Nonetheless, the way they have been distributed has been improved considerably.
Baggage space is, as before, very limited and rear passengers will complain about leg room even if they are four year old kits barely three feet high).
As usual, all complaints are lost when you actually drive the car and feel the way it becomes one with the road...surging, weaving... etc etc.
The new GTV is expected in 2005 but with this restyling and new engine I won't be holding my breath for it..
The running costs for Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.0 JTS Manual are normal
Areas for improvement: Limited luggage space
This restyled model is a big improvement over the earlier GTV versions. It's a pity nothing could be done regarding the downright ugly radio aerial still poking out of the rear-side, but the restyling of the bonnet has managed to lift quite a few years from its overall looks.
In order to avoid the omnipresent failure in proper window-sealing there is an automatic lowering-raising of the window every time the door is opened. Although this solution rescues the defect it still can be viewed at best as a "patch" rather than a serious attempt to solve a design problem.
The 2.0 JTS engine is a beauty, the 165 HP really giving an edge over the earlier 2.0 Twin Spark versions (especially when the air conditioning is up and running).
The only disappointment are the brakes. They work well and efficiently, but their "spongy" feeling gives a somewhat annoying feeling of insecurity (at least for me). Frankly, I preferred the one son my older 2.0 twin Spark GTV.
Internal furnishings are also of very good quality (as opposed to its predecessor) and the inbuilt CD/radio system blends in nicely with the front panel.
Instruments are now lighted in red (as opposed to the original green). This has been claimed as a major upgrade, but, quite frankly, I fail to see a big difference. Nonetheless, the way they have been distributed has been improved considerably.
Baggage space is, as before, very limited and rear passengers will complain about leg room even if they are four year old kits barely three feet high).
As usual, all complaints are lost when you actually drive the car and feel the way it becomes one with the road...surging, weaving... etc etc.
The new GTV is expected in 2005 but with this restyling and new engine I won't be holding my breath for it..
The running costs for Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.0 JTS Manual are normal
Safety: 75
Reliability: 78
Equipment: 62
Comfort: 75
Design: 85
Driving: 69
0 useful votes
Review Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.5 V6 Manual 1982
Submitted by chelseaboy
Key strengths: Good looks
Areas for improvement: Gaskets, quirky handling, poor ergonomics.
The Alfa-Romeo GTV-6 2.5 was introduced in 1981 to much acclaim from the press. It was rated one of the top "cheap" sports cars in 1982, but there was nothing economical about this Italian albatross once you bought it.
Yes, it looked good inside and out. It even smelled good. However, it leaked habitually. Each leak meant hundreds of pounds to the local Alfa "expert". Parts were never in stock from the dealer and it seemed they were made (when needed) at the factory. I'll bet they made one GTV-6 2.5 parts car for each one they sold at the dealership!
This car performed fair at best. Its handling was quirky for a rear-wheel drive car and its acceleration wasn't anywhere near that of sports cars in the same price range. A 944 would eat it up like a German devouring brautwurst. Ergonomics were poor and the car was somewhat uncomfortable. The only thing it had going for it was a smooth transmission and a presumably decent top speed. I was always shy to push the envelope on the GTV-6 because the brakes were always questionable.
Problems - A combination of both coolant and motor oil began dripping from the passenger side cylinder head and I knew I wasn't long for the battle."Oh yeah", the old Alfa guru told me, "They need head gaskets every 36,000 miles."Great.
I finally found a dealer who was numb enough to give me a fair trade in for the GTV-6.
The running costs for Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.5 V6 Manual are high
Areas for improvement: Gaskets, quirky handling, poor ergonomics.
The Alfa-Romeo GTV-6 2.5 was introduced in 1981 to much acclaim from the press. It was rated one of the top "cheap" sports cars in 1982, but there was nothing economical about this Italian albatross once you bought it.
Yes, it looked good inside and out. It even smelled good. However, it leaked habitually. Each leak meant hundreds of pounds to the local Alfa "expert". Parts were never in stock from the dealer and it seemed they were made (when needed) at the factory. I'll bet they made one GTV-6 2.5 parts car for each one they sold at the dealership!
This car performed fair at best. Its handling was quirky for a rear-wheel drive car and its acceleration wasn't anywhere near that of sports cars in the same price range. A 944 would eat it up like a German devouring brautwurst. Ergonomics were poor and the car was somewhat uncomfortable. The only thing it had going for it was a smooth transmission and a presumably decent top speed. I was always shy to push the envelope on the GTV-6 because the brakes were always questionable.
Problems - A combination of both coolant and motor oil began dripping from the passenger side cylinder head and I knew I wasn't long for the battle."Oh yeah", the old Alfa guru told me, "They need head gaskets every 36,000 miles."Great.
I finally found a dealer who was numb enough to give me a fair trade in for the GTV-6.
The running costs for Alfa Romeo Gtv 2.5 V6 Manual are high
Safety: 76
Reliability: 45
Equipment: 60
Comfort: 69
Design: 57
Driving: 63
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