Poll: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider or Porsche Boxster?
Who wants an exotic, open-air European sports car? “Who doesn’t?” is probably a better question. This week we compare the sultry Alfa Romeo 4C to the ever-lovable Porsche Boxster.
Which of these mean machines would YOU rather own? These two cars have as many similarities as they do differences, so let’s explore…
The Alfa is built around a handcrafted, carbon-fiber, monocoque structure. Let that soak in for a moment. This is Ferrari-caliber technology in a vehicle that costs tens of thousands of dollars less.
This platform graces the 4C with incredible rigidity; perhaps only a solid block of granite is stiffer. This gives the car tremendous handling and rapid acceleration thanks to its trim weight.
A mid-mounted 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides 237 horsepower along with 258 lb-ft of torque. This little dynamo is matched to a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, the only gearbox offered. All told, this drivetrain combination can catapult the 4C to 60 miles an hour in as little as 4.1 seconds.
In comparison, Porsche’s new 718-series Boxster is motivated by a turbocharged flat-four engine. Displacing 2.0-liters, it delivers a stout 300 ponies and 280 lb-ft of twist.
When equipped with the optional PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission the Boxster can hit 60 miles an hour in a claimed 4.5 seconds. To beat the 4C in a drag race like this you need to step up to the Boxster S, which features a 350-horse stable. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in every version of this car.
When it comes to monetary concerns, the Alfa Romeo in this toss-up starts at right around $66,000; the Porsche is a good bit cheaper, kicking off at about 57 large, though it lacks a carbon-fiber structure, which no doubt adds to the 4C’s price tag.
If you need more information about these two cars, please compare them here and don’t forget to vote in the poll below.
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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As a 4c owner, I voted with my wallet as well as my, er, mouse. It's significantly faster 'round the 'ring than a Boxster S, and the Cayman S managed to equal its time with ceramic brakes and Walter F'n Rhrl behind the wheel. It's lightness gives it a quality that can never quite be matched by the Porsche's admittedly great (ie, neutral) handling, and a 25% bump in power is only about $1500 away. The consistency with which the car has been criticized in some automotive media is more revealing of the media than the 4c. Its tramlining issue is greatly exaggerated, in my experience, and i pay FIAT prices at the dealer, not Porsche. My first service was about half the price of the Service I on my Z4 M Coupe. Yup, I'm a fan. But then, unlike a lot of youtube reviewers, I drive mine a lot. Every day, in fact.
I will take the Alfa anyday! Alfas have fire and passion! The German cars feel too cold and clinical. Most of the press is biased to the German cars and I take the reviews with a lot of salt. I love the 4C, but I will buy the Giulia when it hits here as I need the extra seats.