Re[2]: Spider Performance or What a Alfa is All About

[Ed Lutz <edlutz@domain.elided>]

I don't normally get into this kind of discussion, but what the hell.
I'm in a talkative mood tonight so here goes...
You both miss the point entirely. Modifying a street car isn't
necessarily about trying to make it faster than some newer car. If
thats what you want, the fastest thing on the road, then you certainly
don't want an old Alfa. My bone stock 98 Ford Mustang GT will kick my
Spiders ass, in a straight line or a corner, but I still like my
little modified 1750 more. My old Dodge Challenger (very fast, very
modified, scary expensive) was a hell of a lot faster than either the
Spider or the Mustang, but I hardly miss it now that its gone. Its all
about the feel of the vehicle and about making it yours, unlike anyone
else's. Some people get body kits and can mufflers for their Hondas,
some lower their trucks, some like to tweak old sports cars. I don't
race my Spider on the track or the street. I do though like to hear
that little 1750 rip up to its redline and I like knowing it makes a
bit more power than some other 1750s do. I wouldn't mind it making
more but its so sweetly driveable now I don't know if I'll play with
it more or not. Stock is fine if you want a stock car like all the
other stock cars, but some of us just want to make it a bit more
personal, even if it does cost a bit more. Personally I prefer to
modify my cars and bikes. The Mustang will get its when I have the
time and money but the Alfa comes first.

Ed

Monday, February 11, 2002, 8:23:00 PM, you wrote:

JC> Hi Louis-
JC> Couldn't agree more. An Alfa spider is a lovely ride, but in no way is 
JC> competitive in handling with a Porsche Boxter or even a Mazda Miata; let 
JC> alone a Honda S2000. Pouring $$$ into a 40 year old design to make it 
JC> competitive in performance with a modern car is, at best, a silly waste 
JC> of money. The Alfa Spider goes back to the Giulietta of the 50's. My 69 
JC> 1750 Spider shows its age even when compared with my '82 Fiat Spider, 
JC> but driving it makes all the difference. The engine has a wonderful 
JC> blend of torque and H.P., but the chassis is clearly obsolete, but who 
JC> cares? The design of the car draws raves from everyone; many believe it 
JC> to be "too radical" even now! One shouldn't forget how simple and 
JC> maintainable the car is. I hesitate to think what is would be involved 
JC> in maintaining a 40 year old Honda S2000 or a Porsche Boxter S.
JC> Regards,
JC> John Cecil
JC> <jcecil@domain.elided>
JC> <jcecil@domain.elided>
JC> <http://home.earthlink.net

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