2016 Mazda Miata

The Afla 4C Spyder is lighter....

And faster.

And nicer looking.

And more expensive. Well, there's that too.

 

According to who.....can't seem to find anything official on the 4C weight.

 

Look harder try in try these "Key Words" in Google " 2015 alfa romeo spider" :lol::lol::lol:

https://www.alfaromeousa.com/en_us/panoramic-4c-spider?campaignid=8199602&advertiserid=4474656_PPC&KWNM=2015+alfa+romeo+spider&KWID=6299280078_google&channel=paidsearch

https://www.alfaromeousa.com/en_us/techdata-4c-spider <-- From here you can download the entire spec doc in PDF.

 

Exactly.

 

2332 is the official weight Mazda has released for the US and the 2.0 motor.

There is a lighter version overseas with a smaller motor.

 

The U.S. Spyder is slightly heavier than the Miata, the European version, slightly lighter...

 

This links to a 4c Spider which is mid engine......p

 

The spec sheet has both listed.

It weighs more than the MX5 does in both versions.

Thanks Dave.

 

Depending on whose definition you use, the Miata can also be considered mid-engine. The front engine is mounted 'behind' the front axel.

 

I would still choose the Mazda over the Alfa because of reliability and aftermarket parts availability and support.

 

The Alfa is more in a class with the Lotus Elise or even the Exiege. I have yet to see one in person, but hopefully they will be back at our Cars & Coffee get together next month, because I really want to look one over.

 

The 4C is back and showing the heart of Alfa Romeo, 2 were at our last C&C in Lafayette.

Both were launch additions, I really want to see the new 4C Spider in Alfa chrome yellow. That would get me back into an Alfa I think.

 

No Alfa is Itialian so it's more in line with Fiat.

 

Country of origin aside Dave... The 4C and Elise are comparable.

 

Yeah ok. :nonod:

That's like saying a Chrysler 300 is a BMW because the TV commercial says so. :lol:

 

But that is true! The commercial says so!

 

Dave, you're right on the reliability. The launch edition is already having issues with the tranny overheating, and engine light randomly going off, at least in the U.S., and the official fix, like I posted elsewhere, so far is to "stop and let it cool down for ten minutes". They better have something in the works; that's obviously not the answer long-term.

But as much as it pains me to say this (and I don't plan on making a habit of it), Dick is absolutely right about it being most comparable to the Elise/Exige. Same principles--low weight, good aero, high revving engine. The 4C even has a faint resemblance to the Elise, but it's better looking, and has a much higher quality interior. And the seats are a bazillion times better.

If you shrunk a Ferrari and crossed it with an Elise, the 4C is what you'd get. The car is absolutely stunning in the flesh; I wish I could have talked the salesman into driving the Launch edition they had at the dealer. The Elise turned my head the first time I saw one on the lot. The 4C didn't just turn my head; it had it spinning.

The Elise reliability when it came out was less than stellar. They eventually got it respectable. I'm hoping the same will be true of the 4C.

I really, really thought about getting a Spider, but an 18 month at the least wait, and probably more like 2 years, the tranny issues, and what people are describing as a disconnect between the engine and the tranny on the track, I opted to go mental with the MINI instead.

 

The attraction of the MX-5 was that you had a car with similar design theory to the 4C and Elise, for a fraction of the price. Don't get me wrong, The 4C is a WAY more compelling car than the Mazda (steering and automanual trans quibbles notwithstanding). It's also WAY more expensive--in a price range where you start to look at used supercars (997 Twin Turbo, anyone?). I have yet to drive the Alfa, or even see one in the flesh, which is probably good, because I might start trying to justify getting one, like I did the Elise. Luckily, I came to my senses and didn't get an Elise.