Motor Trend: Giulia vs. 330i vs. A4 vs. C300 vs. ATS vs. XE vs. IS vs. Q50 vs. S60
#16
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
I avoided buying an IS for years because I still wanted a usable back seat. I didn't find the rear seat in the 2IS big enough but in the 3IS it was just big enough to fill the need.
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Second, not only that, but, even with a traditional auto-enthusiast mag like MT, there are still some ethical standards that have to be met. If word got out that someone took a bribe, or that the highest-bidder won, or that more ads, over a period of time, produced more winners, the editors and staff would probably have the accreditation of the magazine, and their licenses to print taken away from them.
Third, a lot of enthusiasts like us read articles like this (and I've stressed before......one can be a car enthusiast without being a speed enthusiast)...but how much of the general public does....or cares? In most cases, regardless of what magazines think, those people are going to be out shopping for Corollas/Camrys, Civic/Accords, RAV-4s/Highlanders, and CR-V/Pilots. And that's what they are going to bring home, not a finely-tuned sports-sedan.
Last edited by mmarshall; 03-14-17 at 02:04 PM.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
#19
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
#22
#23
Lexus Champion
It's easily the looker of the whole bunch and a great performer but yeah, too bad with that traditional Italian fit/finish/reliability legacy. I think you gotta buy these at a FCA dealership that carries them, so that's not exactly special either. But it's not supposed to be an ultra-lux vehicle either, so some things can be forgiven in the name of performance.
There are only about 80 dedicated dealers for these in the US. That's going to be a problem when the car becomes a problem, even under warranty.
There are only about 80 dedicated dealers for these in the US. That's going to be a problem when the car becomes a problem, even under warranty.
#25
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
so in summary, another worthless 'magazine' comparison, written and judged by bored automotive writers who don't actually have to own and live with their choices.
#26
I love the Alfa, style wise its beautiful and from what I've read a real driver's car with great handling and at least in the top trim with the twin turbo V6, one hell of a roid raging, take no prisoners engine that just sounds fantastic(with no fake noise piped in through the speakers). That being said, if you can wait, get the 2018. Somehow I just don't trust FCA to work out all the bugs on the first model year, especially for a highly complex car like this.
As for the other choices in this comparison, I really do like the Audi for its clean lines and the Benz for its posh interior.
As for the other choices in this comparison, I really do like the Audi for its clean lines and the Benz for its posh interior.
#27
Lexus Test Driver
Now, out of fantasy carland and into the real world. In the real world, real people buy cars that are reliable and safe bets. Practical choices weigh in in the real world. With that thrown in, the modern, reliable, accomplished, and efficient A4 should easily be #1. I wouldn't touch the Alpha, with it's sketchy history, lack of trustworthiness, and lack of dealers. The real world takes those things into consideration. The IS should be in second due to stellar reliability over the decades. 95% of those who drive in the real world do not need a sub 7 second 0-60 sedan. Now, back to fantasy carland...
#29
Lexus Fanatic
#30
Lexus Test Driver
Their #1 winner is a vehicle with the following reassurance: " the Giulia is a car we’re willing to gamble on despite its reliability legacy and lack of cost-of -ownership data. " No thanks.