Hello from CA

[caliscouser]

Hi Fiat Fans,

Alfa Romeo owner here from the Bay Area, but potential Fiat Spider owner. My elderly neighbor recently acquired a 55 thousand mile 79 Fiat Spider that I have offered to work on. First job was timing belt/water pump/oil seals which went well. Read a lot of great posts on this site to prep for that job. These cars are fun to work on!

I must say I'm quite smitten with these cars so far and it is very interesting to compare the Alfa Spider to the Fiat Spider.

[SergeantSavage]

Welcome. I'm interested in the comparison (Alfa vs. Fiat). I ask because I've recently been tempted by an '85 Alfa Romeo Spider that was for sale in my area. I just don't know anything about them, but I assume there must be some similarity. What have been your observations?

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2789710527.html

[caliscouser]

Thanks. First of all I have only driven the Fiat around the block a few times so impressions are limited.
However I would say they are very different cars.

The first thing I noticed about the Fiat is that it seems stiffer and has a little less cowl shake than the Alfa.
The Fiat also feels more modern in its design and the engine feels more modern.
The Fiat is roomier inside and of course has the rear seat whereas the Alfa has a parcel shelf. If you are big guy the Fiat is going to be more comfortable.
The Alfa has a more delicate tactile feel to it. It feels a little sharper. It feels lighter (although it isn't). The engine although ancient is an all-alloy peach and a thing of beauty.
In short the Alfa is a car that loves being pushed and is at home in the twisties. The Fiat seems like a better GT car.
Again these are initial impressions only.

[wiggo]

Thanks. First of all I have only driven the Fiat around the block a few times so impressions are limited.
However I would say they are very different cars.

The first thing I noticed about the Fiat is that it seems stiffer and has a little less cowl shake than the Alfa.
The Fiat also feels more modern in its design and the engine feels more modern.
The Fiat is roomier inside and of course has the rear seat whereas the Alfa has a parcel shelf. If you are big guy the Fiat is going to be more comfortable.
The Alfa has a more delicate tactile feel to it. It feels a little sharper. It feels lighter (although it isn't). The engine although ancient is an all-alloy peach and a thing of beauty.
In short the Alfa is a car that loves being pushed and is at home in the twisties. The Fiat seems like a better GT car.
Again these are initial impressions only.

Depends on your Fiat and maybe your choise of settings. My CS0 is a 'GT' as you describe it. But the VX is a 'GTI'.
Good luck in choosing the right one

[SergeantSavage]

Good info caliscouser thanks.