Alfa 4c looking to purchase an Emira but am unsure

[pascobob]

I have had my Alfa 4c for 7 years(after 8 years with an Elise). Elise steering was superior, but the Alfa is so much fun. Does anyone have Alfa 4c experience who can comment on Emira comparison. I will test drive an Emira in the next few months and will opt for automatic(I know but I do not miss the third pedal at all in my Alfa). I love my Alfa, but the Emira is so beautiful. Will I be losing fun (Alfa) for the sake of beauty? (I sound like a spoiled brat.)

 

[GetawayDriving]

I’ve spent a weekend with a 4C in the SoCal hills, I rented one from Turo because I was considering buying one, so I’ve experienced that car albeit briefly. Frankly, I did not like it.

My main gripes were transmission, noise, styling and build quality. Around town, I feel like the gearbox was always in the wrong gear. It was either like an angry dog pulling on its chain to get going or it was bogging down. I found the noise to be VERY drone-y, to the extent that it gave me a pretty bad headache if the windows were closed. I am no stranger to loud mid-engines cars - it’s like the resonance of the 4C just rattled my brain the wrong way and it was literally painful. I was not a fan of the interior, it felt over-designed although the exposed carbon is cool. I feel like the exterior styling is a bit too rubber ducky for me. Lastly the build quality of the one I drove was the worst I’ve ever personally experienced in a car. I could fit my thumb in a trunk panel gap and I had little plastic bits literally fall off multiple times. Oh and the paint was bubbling and flaking off down to bare metal in multiple places.

With all of that said, the steering was the closest I’ve found to the Elise, which was a highlight.

I vastly prefer the Emira, in large part because I don’t have the sort of issues I listed above. Emira is beautiful, has 3 pedals (important to me, I know it’s not to you), makes a gorgeous noise, and is comfortable and exciting. The steering in the Emira is not going to be as communicative as the unassisted Alfa, but it’s good. I think it would benefit from a sharper alignment but haven’t looked into that yet. Build quality on the Emira is a relative weak point, but feels light years better than that Alfa I drove.

Sorry if that’s harsh, it’s just my experience. The Emira is a fantastic driving car that just so happens to be beautiful. You are not losing anything, imo, except some of that steering feel and sharpness.

Emira feels like a mature Exige.

 

[pascobob]

thank you for your generous posting; it helps me. As I said I will test drive the Emira in a few months; my Orland dealer is waiting for a shipment. I am leaning toward buying one but need a good test drive. I am happy I posed my questions largely because of your comments. Thank you. PS I used to have an F type R but found it too powerful to push it. I suspect I can "push" the Emira and both stay on the road and out of jail.

 

[brainf18]

I will test drive an Emira in the next few months and will opt for automatic

If your not enthusiastic enough to row your own gears, just get a Porsche w/ PDK. Its a far superior gearbox to the Lotus clunk-O-matic.

 

[John777]

I have had my Alfa 4c for 7 years(after 8 years with an Elise). Elise steering was superior, but the Alfa is so much fun. Does anyone have Alfa 4c experience who can comment on Emira comparison. I will test drive an Emira in the next few months and will opt for automatic(I know but I do not miss the third pedal at all in my Alfa). I love my Alfa, but the Emira is so beautiful. Will I be losing fun (Alfa) for the sake of beauty? (I sound like a spoiled brat.)

Emira is 10x the car.
I've driven the 4c years ago. No comparison. Also more room in Emira.
××accidentally hit cancel in my phone lost 75% of my post lol..
I'll try again..
Anyways I agree the 4c was more rubber ducky in appearance and stubby looking. More of a go kart feel.

Also didn't like the fact that after a while you have to get all the fasteners retightened because of the carbon fiber tub. Bolts etc loosen over time. Expensive service item. Deal breaker for me.

The Emira is more of a "supercar" feel and look. Didn't like manual unassisted steering in 4c. Or the 4cyl engine. The radio was cheap aftermarket. Smaller interior. I preferred the spyder version though. At the time it was around $80 to $90k Canadian. They had many on the dealer lot that were unsold for years and still asking MSRP 2 to 3 years later. Imagine driving that off the lot
instantly losing half in value.
My 2 cents.

 

[trackday14]

I have had my Alfa 4c for 7 years(after 8 years with an Elise). Elise steering was superior, but the Alfa is so much fun. Does anyone have Alfa 4c experience who can comment on Emira comparison. I will test drive an Emira in the next few months and will opt for automatic(I know but I do not miss the third pedal at all in my Alfa). I love my Alfa, but the Emira is so beautiful. Will I be losing fun (Alfa) for the sake of beauty? (I sound like a spoiled brat.)

I have owned 2 different 4Cs; a coupe for 4 years and a spider for 2. I loved my coupe and should have kept it. If your Alfa experience has been enjoyable and relatively trouble-free, I would stick with the 4C - especially if you would be looking at getting an automatic Emira. While the steering and handling of the Emira are superior, the slightly delayed boost of the 4C is intoxicating…

The real question to consider relates to parts availability…Will you be able to get 4C replacement parts when you need them? (Including body panels and headlights if you get in an accident). When someone hit my 4C spider in 2021, it took months for replacement parts…With the Emira in production for some time to come, it will be easier to deal with such issues.

 

[pascobob]

I have owned 2 different 4Cs; a coupe for 4 years and a spider for 2. I loved my coupe and should have kept it. If your Alfa experience has been enjoyable and relatively trouble-free, I would stick with the 4C - especially if you would be looking at getting an automatic Emira. While the steering and handling of the Emira are superior, the slightly delayed boost of the 4C is intoxicating…

The real question to consider relates to parts availability…Will you be able to get 4C replacement parts when you need them? (Including body panels and headlights if you get in an accident). When someone hit my 4C spider in 2021, it took months for replacement parts…With the Emira in production for some time to come, it will be easier to deal with such issues.

thanks much. your answer is helpful. My local Lotus dealer says they do not provide a loaner in case a Lotus needs repairs.

 

[Y Cymro]

I have had my Alfa 4c for 7 years(after 8 years with an Elise). Elise steering was superior, but the Alfa is so much fun. Does anyone have Alfa 4c experience who can comment on Emira comparison. I will test drive an Emira in the next few months and will opt for automatic(I know but I do not miss the third pedal at all in my Alfa). I love my Alfa, but the Emira is so beautiful. Will I be losing fun (Alfa) for the sake of beauty? (I sound like a spoiled brat.)

Like you, I’m a long term Alfa 4C owner (8 years) and interested in replacing it with something appropriate. My shortlist includes Porsche GT4 and 911T, Emira V6 and AMG, MG Cyberster (an EV), as well as classic ‘65 Mustang, 911, and Ford Escort mk1. An eclectic list!
For me, 4C will be difficult to replace: I love the brand and its history, and driving it is a special event - just sitting in the cabin and looking out through the curved screen is amazing. Being in it and driving it is like driving a cross between a 1960s or 70s sports racing car and a 1980s Group B rally car due to the turbo lag and engine characteristics, sitting low behind a great dash looking out over those curvaceous wings. Looking at the front corner from a low angle is IMHO the best viewpoint and very, very few cars look better. The steering feel is easily enhanced by increasing castor (which also makes the steering heavier when manoeuvring), though the suspension compliance is lousy over bumpy UK roads. In an attempt to resolve this mine is fitted with Tractive Suspension adaptive dampers, though this is a work in progress and we’re still some way from a solution.

So then, I’m an Alfa guy! Yesterday I called at my local Lotus dealer and tried a V6 and an AMG for short runs. My initial impressions are that ingress and egress is easier to the Lotus (in order of increasing difficulty it’s Emira, 4C, Elise). The interior is nice, but not special. The seats are designed for people with waist sizes larger than mine (I’m 6ft, 80kg) and didn’t hold me in place. The leather steering wheel was ok - but why can’t steering wheel’s be round anymore? The hints in the name, and Porsche seems to manage it. My experience of sitting in Emira was nice, but that I could be sitting in any modern saloon, just a bit smaller. Start up for the v6 was spectacular and I loved it! Conversely, the AMG was very ordinary. Surprisingly to me, the AMG felt faster than the V6. Manual or automatic is your personal decision. Both had Touring suspension yet the AMG had a firmer ride (only tested low speed, high frequency damping on well-surfaced roads) I was tempted to go with a V6 manual only to be told that production is to stop for 2 years. So I need to consider a used model or a new AMG automatic. Neither car felt special to me like the 4C does. However, Emira in either flavour is not doubt a much more accomplished driving experience in steering feel and ride. As this will be an occasional toy, a problem for me might be that that the driving experience is too anodyne. I wish it had tighter fitting seats, a proper round steering wheel, and adaptive dampers to provide a comfortable or more tightly-damped ride. Plan is to return and try a model with Sports suspension. Coming from 4C perhaps the firmer suspension settings will suit me better.
Anyway, hope this helps. I’m off for a spin in my Alfa!

 

[seriously]

As a mid-engine fanatic I remember being quite excited about the release of the 4C. The looks were exotic, the heritage interesting, the carbon fiber tub. All good things, they even made an open top version (that is sexy).

However, the lack of manual was a deal breaker for me. The 4 banger, though I'm sure punchy, was a let down. Manual steering was not a deterrent. Didn't know if I liked the eyes. Interior was OK. It was like a good version of an old school Lotus. I wasn't thrilled about the price point for the HP/engine. I know it's a light car.

When the Emira came out, I really couldn't believe it. It was all the mechanical things I was looking for wrapped in a body that had no styling compromises. I was not a fan of the price increase or the Lotus company quirks, but it felt like it delivered the goods where the 4C almost did. No disrespect. Just my opinion as someone that was genuinely interested in the 4C.

 

[Y Cymro]

As a mid-engine fanatic I remember being quite excited about the release of the 4C. The looks were exotic, the heritage interesting, the carbon fiber tub. All good things, they even made an open top version (that is sexy).

However, the lack of manual was a deal breaker for me. The 4 banger, though I'm sure punchy, was a let down. Manual steering was not a deterrent. Didn't know if I liked the eyes. Interior was OK. It was like a good version of an old school Lotus. I wasn't thrilled about the price point for the HP/engine. I know it's a light car.

When the Emira came out, I really couldn't believe it. It was all the mechanical things I was looking for wrapped in a body that had no styling compromises. I was not a fan of the price increase or the Lotus company quirks, but it felt like it delivered the goods where the 4C almost did. No disrespect. Just my opinion as someone that was genuinely interested in the 4C.

Absolutely agree with you. I wish the Emira cabin was a bit more ‘racer’ with proper bucket seats. Perhaps aftermarket seats are the answer for me. I’ll take a look hear to see if that’s been done

 

[seriously]

Absolutely agree with you. I wish the Emira cabin was a bit more ‘racer’ with proper bucket seats. Perhaps aftermarket seats are the answer for me. I’ll take a look hear to see if that’s been done

There is a carbon bucket aftermarket option. And you’re right the seats are the worst thing about the car.

 

[pascobob]

Like you, I’m a long term Alfa 4C owner (8 years) and interested in replacing it with something appropriate. My shortlist includes Porsche GT4 and 911T, Emira V6 and AMG, MG Cyberster (an EV), as well as classic ‘65 Mustang, 911, and Ford Escort mk1. An eclectic list!
For me, 4C will be difficult to replace: I love the brand and its history, and driving it is a special event - just sitting in the cabin and looking out through the curved screen is amazing. Being in it and driving it is like driving a cross between a 1960s or 70s sports racing car and a 1980s Group B rally car due to the turbo lag and engine characteristics, sitting low behind a great dash looking out over those curvaceous wings. Looking at the front corner from a low angle is IMHO the best viewpoint and very, very few cars look better. The steering feel is easily enhanced by increasing castor (which also makes the steering heavier when manoeuvring), though the suspension compliance is lousy over bumpy UK roads. In an attempt to resolve this mine is fitted with Tractive Suspension adaptive dampers, though this is a work in progress and we’re still some way from a solution.

So then, I’m an Alfa guy! Yesterday I called at my local Lotus dealer and tried a V6 and an AMG for short runs. My initial impressions are that ingress and egress is easier to the Lotus (in order of increasing difficulty it’s Emira, 4C, Elise). The interior is nice, but not special. The seats are designed for people with waist sizes larger than mine (I’m 6ft, 80kg) and didn’t hold me in place. The leather steering wheel was ok - but why can’t steering wheel’s be round anymore? The hints in the name, and Porsche seems to manage it. My experience of sitting in Emira was nice, but that I could be sitting in any modern saloon, just a bit smaller. Start up for the v6 was spectacular and I loved it! Conversely, the AMG was very ordinary. Surprisingly to me, the AMG felt faster than the V6. Manual or automatic is your personal decision. Both had Touring suspension yet the AMG had a firmer ride (only tested low speed, high frequency damping on well-surfaced roads) I was tempted to go with a V6 manual only to be told that production is to stop for 2 years. So I need to consider a used model or a new AMG automatic. Neither car felt special to me like the 4C does. However, Emira in either flavour is not doubt a much more accomplished driving experience in steering feel and ride. As this will be an occasional toy, a problem for me might be that that the driving experience is too anodyne. I wish it had tighter fitting seats, a proper round steering wheel, and adaptive dampers to provide a comfortable or more tightly-damped ride. Plan is to return and try a model with Sports suspension. Coming from 4C perhaps the firmer suspension settings will suit me better.
Anyway, hope this helps. I’m off for a spin in my Alfa!

Thank you for your generous posting. It helps me. One of my concerns is distance from Lotus dealer (closest is an hour and 45 minutes away and its provisions for loaners is sketchy ). I’ll go ahead and test drive anyway. Thank you again.

 

[R1272]

Sounds like you still love your 4C but that the Emira is the new hot girl you can take out.

I've owned my LE 4C since new in 2015 and I'll never sell it. Too much fun the way it feels like an old school sports car. "Replacing" it will be impossible. Can you add and keep the 4C?

I had a deposit down on an Emira for 2.5 years and at the end of the day canceled and bought a Carrera T. It's also a fantastic drivers car.

Drive all the cars you're interested in. It will help your decision.

 

[pascobob]

Sounds like you still love your 4C but that the Emira is the new hot girl you can take out.

I've owned my LE 4C since new in 2015 and I'll never sell it. Too much fun the way it feels like an old school sports car. "Replacing" it will be impossible. Can you add and keep the 4C?

I had a deposit down on an Emira for 2.5 years and at the end of the day canceled and bought a Carrera T. It's also a fantastic drivers car.

Drive all the cars you're interested in. It will help your decision.

thanks for your kind and insightful comment

 

[Steve Tillett]

Absolutely agree with you. I wish the Emira cabin was a bit more ‘racer’ with proper bucket seats. Perhaps aftermarket seats are the answer for me. I’ll take a look hear to see if that’s been done

If you are near the middle of Kent anytime in the near future you are welcome to come and try the B10 seats in my Emira.

 

[pascobob]

Emira is 10x the car.
I've driven the 4c years ago. No comparison. Also more room in Emira.
××accidentally hit cancel in my phone lost 75% of my post lol..
I'll try again..
Anyways I agree the 4c was more rubber ducky in appearance and stubby looking. More of a go kart feel.

Also didn't like the fact that after a while you have to get all the fasteners retightened because of the carbon fiber tub. Bolts etc loosen over time. Expensive service item. Deal breaker for me.

The Emira is more of a "supercar" feel and look. Didn't like manual unassisted steering in 4c. Or the 4cyl engine. The radio was cheap aftermarket. Smaller interior. I preferred the spyder version though. At the time it was around $80 to $90k Canadian. They had many on the dealer lot that were unsold for years and still asking MSRP 2 to 3 years later. Imagine driving that off the lot
instantly losing half in value.
th

thank you for your comments; i will test drive the Emira when one is available.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

thanks much. your answer is helpful. My local Lotus dealer says they do not provide a loaner in case a Lotus needs repairs.

My previous car was a Cayman 3.4s, unlike everyone else on here I didn't purchase my Emira, 3.5 manual with lowered suspension and CT Carbon bodykit, I won it and I'm so glad I didn't. Unpopular opinion, I'd go for a 4.0 Cayman with PDK and every option available up to the cost of the Emira.

The Emira is by far the better looking car but I'd have the Cayman every day of the week. Very little in performance and handling according to most reviewers. The amount of recalls and problems is unacceptable for a car of this price, I've just got it back after 2 1/2 weeks and still have problems that need resolving.

I'm in England and prices used are already 20% lower on a 1 yr old car. The Cayman will hold value far better. Go on the Porsche site and see what you get for the same price, even less for a model at the dealers.

My 2 cents worth and I'm sure I'll get flak for it but because I didn't lay £90k/$110k out I won't hold back on my thoughts on the car.

 

[seriously]

My previous car was a Cayman 3.4s, unlike everyone else on here I didn't purchase my Emira, 3.5 manual with lowered suspension and CT Carbon bodykit, I won it and I'm so glad I didn't. Unpopular opinion, I'd go for a 4.0 Cayman with PDK and every option available up to the cost of the Emira.

The Emira is by far the better looking car but I'd have the Cayman every day of the week. Very little in performance and handling according to most reviewers. The amount of recalls and problems is unacceptable for a car of this price, I've just got it back after 2 1/2 weeks and still have problems that need resolving.

I'm in England and prices used are already 20% lower on a 1 yr old car. The Cayman will hold value far better. Go on the Porsche site and see what you get for the same price, even less for a model at the dealers.

My 2 cents worth and I'm sure I'll get flak for it but because I didn't lay £90k/$110k out I won't hold back on my thoughts on the car.

No surprises. As I’m considering my own ownership experience the emira is as an exotic of a car I’ve ever owned. The Porsche is a GREAT car and just very easy to use, enjoy and maintain. The emira is more effortful but feels more special. In terms of ease of use/exotic I think you can comfortably put it as Porsche cayman / emira / 4c.

 

[Man.v.Cars]

No surprises. As I’m considering my own ownership experience the emira is as an exotic of a car I’ve ever owned. The Porsche is a GREAT car and just very easy to use, enjoy and maintain. The emira is more effortful but feels more special. In terms of ease of use/exotic I think you can comfortably put it as Porsche cayman / emira / 4c.

Agreed. It's when you see the Emira parked next to actual exotics you appreciate its looks. From another thread on here.

 

[seriously]

Agreed. It's when you see the Emira parked next to actual exotics you appreciate its looks. From another thread on here.

Good example. The McLaren and Lambo are definitely more exotic than the Emira (more extreme in design language), but the Emira is certainly an exotic design. It is in that conversation. The cayman is not in that conversation.