I would ask myself “How often will I use the 382 HP and how often will I go 0-60 in 4 seconds?”. if very often then go for it and keep it until they take your drivers licence for demerit points. My brother in law bought a 500 HP Corvette about the same time I bought my Spider. I asked him for an estimate of how many times he actually uses the 500 HP and all that speed. His answer “ Never! Too much photo radar and I want to keep my drivers licence to use my Corvette.” We both enjoy our cars however mine uses much less fuel, cheaper insurance and I think it is more fun. The flip side is that if you want it and can afford then go for it. They are great convertibles and look good too.

 

Mike,
I guess it's what makes you smile the most. I took Conchetta down the the Tail of the Dragon this spring and my face hurt after. I was pushing the car on stock tires and it took everything I had to drive it right. Watching the video I didn't see the lean into the curves and switchbacks that a light car and do. Maybe, he just wasn't pushing the car. If you want more HP and the same light car driving experience, then I like the Alfa 4C. Basically, a intro supercar.

But, for me also I've really enjoyed working on my car and doing Mods. (You should know as I have your springs and wheels 😄) I like that not very many people know what our car is. I don't blame you for looking. I've been looking at some listings for Jag F-Type R's, and Alfa 4C's. Although, I don't see myself ever selling Conchetta. And I don't have room for another.

I love your car. You've put alot of work into it. I don't see you coming back to it if you go to the Z4. But that's ok. Life is short. If that car is your next adventure, I say cool.

 

I was in the North of Montreal, stayed there a couple days at my friends cottages.(Chertsey) When I came home yesterday from the cottage to the Route 125 its about 25km. It s all up and down winding road. I had the blast of my life shifting up and down 2-3-4 top speed was about 95km to 30km My Abarth had all the power needed and those curves were made for the car. So I did not need more power and so on. so the Z4 is a nice car to look at it, with $80k I don't think you could have gone any faster compared to the $45k Abarth. Oh yes while I parked at the Golf course there was a white L500 Lexus I assume cost was $160k can, Even with this Luxury sport convertible the guy came around and was looking at my ABARTH. I have to say it turns heads.

 

It’s good looking I admit... I can see why you’d be tempted

 

I´ve been thinking about selling the Abarth in favour of a Z4 M40i to.
Driven one and the experience is very different: the Z4 is a lot faster, but not as agile. It has a bigger trunk, the interiorfinish is a lot better, it has a 6 cilinder, can easily be tuned north of 450hp, I have more than enough headroom, there are plenty of spareparts and aftermarket tuningoptions,...
All plusses for the Z4 than, but the Abarth has one thing the Z4 hasn´t: it makes me feel I´m driving something special, where you see a Z4 nearly every day.
I´ve come to the conclusion I´ll be keeping my Abarth for some time...

 

I shall not covet my neighbor's car.

 

Nor touch it, nor drool on it.

 

Before I bought my Spider I was also in the market for a used Boxster which puts me in the target market for this. I admit the manny tranny piques my interest, but my rational side struggles with the price vs. how few miles I drive (~3k miles annually). Plus I did the big, fast sports car thing and remember being frustrated with how few opportunities I had to get it to full boil; at least with the Spider I can WOT it often.

 

I'm thinking seriously about the Z4. Its good looking and more comfortable than my 124. Neither want or need the horsepower; wish the manual was available on 4 cyl version. Then there is the whole $70K+ price etc.

 

Neither want or need the horsepower; wish the manual was available on 4 cyl version.

That would be more appealing to me. And it would only be twice the price I paid for my Spider instead of three times...

 

Often less is more.

 

Everyone should drive what they love, if they can find it. I made it half-way through the review before I heard "fantastic" one too many times. Without listing the show-stopping "flaws" (which every car has), my bottom line is that I don't want a car that I drive through the twisties with only one hand on the wheel. I want a car that I feel a part of, not a car that I sit in. But that's just me.

 

Everyone should drive what they love, if they can find it. I made it half-way through the review before I heard "fantastic" one too many times.

Shit/Damn! I wasn't the only one. On the 3rd "fantastic" I paused the video, walked to the bedroom, grabbed the my 38 revolver, loaded with personal protection rounds, from the nightstand and figured "the next time this clown say it it's gonna cost me a laptop".