Is the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione overhyped?
It’s easy to see why the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is so well regarded for its looks and exclusivity, with just 500 units made. However, the surprisingly firm suspension completing with unwanted body roll has been criticized by some automotive journalists for its driving dynamics. This has sparked debates of whether the cars aesthetics and rarity should make up for its performance shortfalls. This has also fueled a discussion on whether it really offers value for money according to its price tag and the scope of its availability, just like other high performance sports cars in its class. That’s where the 8C’s status as a collector’s item complicates the debate: Its value may be more tied to what it might be worth later than what it’s like to drive today. Here we ask whether the 8C Competizione's reputation is deserved, or if it's more style than substance.
Overrated? No way! It’s a work of art on wheels, the 8C. Yes, it’s not the sharpest tool in the shed to handle, but that’s not what it’s all about. It’s about the experience, it’s about the sound of that Ferrari derived V8, it’s about the looks that kill but it’s also about the people that are around you. It’s not a track weapon, it’s a proper GT car.
I'd say it's a bit overrated. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful, but for that type of cash you'd think it would drive like a dream. It is a let down, is the fact that it has a wonky suspension setup and that chunky automated manual gearbox. For less, you could get a much better driving car.
It's all about perspective. So if you're going to be honest about it, now, if you want the ultimate driver's car, then definitely it's overrated. If you want a piece of automotive art that you can actually drive and enjoy, it’s hard to beat. That exclusivity factor is pretty sweet, plus.
People calling it overrated I think miss the point. What it's not trying to be is a Porsche GT3 or a Ferrari 458. It's a big, heavy dose of style and drama. If you need a speakerphone that is designed for that, it absolutely delivers.
If anything, I think it’s underrated. People focus too much on the driving dynamics, forgetting about the whole package. It is timeless, the sound intoxicating, and it has that special something Alfa can deliver. This is a future classic, I can guarantee you.
In all honesty, it's a little bit of both. Underrated in design and presence, overrated in terms of performance. It's not perfect, but it's the perfect imperfect classic Alfa Romeo.
I'd argue it's appropriately rated. Its strengths and weaknesses are known to car enthusiasts. It's not trying to be the best at everything, but it's the best at a few things. You’re paying for the looks, the sound, the rarity.
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Is the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione overhyped?
30 January 2025 10:01
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