Not to beat a dead horse, but I recall (yes, I am that old) reading road tests of the time, both European and American, and all preferred the Sedan/Berlina ride and handling over either the Spider or GTV. This added to my memory of driving each of them backs up Will's take on the subject. The more things change . . .
Ciao, Ben -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Will Owen Sent: Friday, November 12, 2010 1:02 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: [alfa] GTV-6 Suspension questions Ben Ament wrote: "If you want to experience the difference that wheelbase makes, alongwith a bit of weight, try driving a Mini, then climb into a Mini Clubman, then a Mini Countryman (when it becomes available)." I had two original Minis, a Morris 850 sedan and an Austin 850 Countryman (wagon). Identical structurally and mechanically except the Countryman had an 84" wheelbase as opposed to the sedan's 80". Not that much difference, you'd think, but the ride of the longer one was a good bit less choppy, and the handling actually much nicer - a more pleasant car to live with all around. We Alfisti don't have to go that far afield to compare chassis that are identical except for wheelbase, as most of our favorite postwar cars, starting with the Giuliettas, came in variants of different lengths. I've never driven any Giulietta/Giulia Berlinas, but I have had two late 105s, both 2-liter, and can attest both to their better ride than either the Spider's or the GTV's, but to a much more settled feel on the road and steadiness around corners. Which is not at all to say the Berlinas' handling was sedate; they were both willing co-conspirators in any hard charge through the bends. As, I must say, is the Milano. Will Owen -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected] -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
