If you were to think of a performance saloon for under £60k, I expect that the first car you think of is the BMW M3... who wouldn't? Personally, I have respected every M3 model, from the first in 1985 and continue to love them even more with every face-lift. I would have gone so far as to say, that it was undoubtedly the best in class and would happily have bought one if I could... that is, until now.
At the beginning of this year, a new kid arrived on the block to fight for the crown held by the M3 and its name, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifogilio. This aggressive-looking saloon certainly challenges the bold lines and flared wheel arches of the M3, with its handsome, shield-shaped grille and dynamic looking headlights. No matter where you stand to admire this Alfa, you will be able to see true design excellence in every curve and every detail. Standing to the side, you will appreciate the classic 5 spoke design of the wheels and the perfectly carved, aerodynamics of the bodywork and from behind, you will be met by four gaping exhaust pipes, encased in a huge, chrome-lined diffuser, with a small but effective carbon-fibre rear spoiler. But the real question is this; would you go for the tried and tested, class-reigning M3, or take a punt with the less-established but just as potent Alfa?
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| Alfa Romeo Giulia |
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| BMW M3 |
When looking for a 'performance' car, the first thing one naturally considers is 'performance'...and when it comes to measuring performance, the Alfa doesn't hang about. Whilst the M3 can achieve an 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (created by a 3.0 twin-turbo 6 cylinder engine producing 450 bhp and 405 ft-lb of torque), the Quadrifogilio storms away with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and an astounding top speed of 191 mph (powered by the Italian grunt of the 2.9 litre twin turbo V6 pumping out 505 bhp and 443 ft-lb of torque). This, therefore, means that the young Alfa really starts to put the M3 to shame.
In terms of practicality, the two cars have exactly the same boot space at 480 litres which is very reasonable and therefore you would have no problem using it as a daily commuter as there is nothing to split the two in terms of practicality so there is not a lot to write here, sadly.
However, one of the biggest factors that define whether a car is worthy of your purchase are the interior features and quality and when it comes down to this, the Alfa wins hands down, sporting enormous aluminium gear paddles, beautiful carbon fibre finishes and pleasingly minimal buttons and switches. I will admit that the M3 is very refined. The overall quality is good and I like it a lot, but put against the Alfa, it is not quite as new and 'fresh'. The Alfa also features a really stylish, sloping-shaped infotainment screen which, compared to the BMW's standard square shape, just gives it that spark of brilliance. This then brings me on to the infotainment and we all know how well made and intuitive the idrive on the BMW is, so it will be hard to beat... but it does come close. The Giulia can be bought with an 8.8 inch display that is simple to use with the rotary dial (similar to idrive) and offers an accurate and intelligent sat-nav. Therefore, in terms of infotainment, the BMW's idrive still reigns victorious but the Alfa's system is perfectly fine for daily use by anyone.
So, the verdict. In my opinion, they are both outstanding cars and I would happily buy either as they are both very fast, very comfortable and surprisingly practical daily cars that would be happy enough on a track day. However, if you put the two in front of me to choose one, I feel that I would take the Alfa. It's a bit less common than the M3 on British roads but can keep discreet to the untrained eye... that is until you put your foot down!
PisTEENhead rating:
BMW M3: 7/10
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifogilio: 8/10
Specs :
BMW M3:
Price: £59,000
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| Alfa Romeo interior |
So, the verdict. In my opinion, they are both outstanding cars and I would happily buy either as they are both very fast, very comfortable and surprisingly practical daily cars that would be happy enough on a track day. However, if you put the two in front of me to choose one, I feel that I would take the Alfa. It's a bit less common than the M3 on British roads but can keep discreet to the untrained eye... that is until you put your foot down!
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| BMW interior |
PisTEENhead rating:
BMW M3: 7/10
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifogilio: 8/10
Specs :
BMW M3:
Price: £59,000
Engine: 3.0tt 6cyl
Horsepower: 450bhp @ 5500rpm
Torque: 405ftlb @ 1850rpm
Gearbox: 8 speed auto
MPG: 34
0-60: 4.1
Top Speed: 155
Alfa Romeo Giulia:
Price: £57,000
Price: £57,000
Engine: 2.9tt V6
Horsepower: 505hp @6500rpm
Torque: 443ftlb @2500rpm
Gearbox: 8 speed auto
MPG:20
0-60: 3.9
Top Speed: 191
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