Fun Factor - was 156

[Robert_A_Brady@RohmHaas.Com (Robert A Brady)]

Dan Schafer wrote:

"Wow, Robert!  You may want to rethink an assertion you made in your
discussion of the 156 fun factor."

Ackkkk!  I hate it when I extrapolate data beyond its range of validity.  I 
stand corrected.  Perhaps I can rephrase it:  If I have to choose which car I 
want to trounce through what's left of my once bucolic environs, I will 
choose my gtv over my milano verde any day.  For sure, the verde is faster, 
probably quicker, and probably has higher ultimate grip, but it just isn't as 
much fun. But, it does have air conditioning and doesn't make my fillings 
loose. 

I don't own a 164; I've only driven one once.  I don't own a 156; I've only 
driven one for a few days.  I don't own a spider; I've only driven a couple 
for short drives (and both were very different in character, btw). I don't 
own a Super; I've only driven one for a short drive.... bla bla bla.  All I 
can say is that the Super and the GTV make ME feel connected, one with the 
road, and happy.  I smile(d) a lot when I drive(drove) them.  As they say, 
your milage may vary (and as this thread has shown, often does).

I quit :)

How about a new one?  Anyone else notice how two identical Alfa models can 
behave so differently?  Some examples:  1.  Nearly every GTV I've driven, 
feels different.  I've driven some that are a mess (heavy, clunky, loose), 
others that feel like go-karts, and still others that feel like GTs.  Perhaps 
it's just differences in suspensions (certainly the case for the go-kart 
GTVs).  2.  The couple of mid-80's vintage spiders I've driven felt worlds 
different.  The first, was smooth, nimble, and relatively quick.  The other 
felt heavy and slow.  As far as I know, both were stock.  3.  The two milanos 
I've driven were entirely different.  The first, my verde, feels smooth, 
powerful, and refined.  The other, a Pt felt light, quick, and nimble (more 
"fun" than my verde, I'll admit).  In this case, it's probably due to the 
engine and gearing differences.  Okay, maybe this isn't a worthy conversation 
since the explanations appear so obvious.

Back to work.

Bob Brady, DVAROC
Yardley, PA
'88 verde
'74 gtv