Volvo/Alfa Romeo comparison-condensed version

[Milanogold@xxxxxxx]

Greetings Alfisti!
        This is for the gentleman trading the Volvo for a Milano.You had a
question about reliability of the Volvo versus the Alfa Romeo Milano.
          Your Volvo is a good one, the 740's do have decent handling and
fantastic brakes..I Have driven a multitude of different Volvos,they feel as
if Buick decided to start making cars in Sweden.A volvo to me is essentially a
Swedish Buick.This is NOT a slam, they are extremely well made and competent
vehicles.(Used to drag race Buick Electra 225's back in high school.Not the
ideal "stoplight bingo" car but great when you tromp on the throttle!)
         But.......an Alfa is just as reliable as a Volvo (parts cost about
the same, generally), is much more "flingable" around corners (to me a Volvo
feels heavy and somewhat unwieldy,like a Mercedes.) and is a much more fun car
to drive.The volvo definitely has a lot more room, but the stock seats in the
Alfas are far better than the ones in the Volvo.I've owned Alfie ('87 Milano
gold 2,5)for 2 1/2 years now, it has been used as a daily driver.Trips to USMA
West Point(Twice in a week one time), honeymoon in Canada,numerous trips to
Fort Dix,NJ,Willow Grove NAS (PA),Fort Hamilton NY, Atlanta GA,Naval Base
Norfolk VA;etc.et.al.I've driven Alfie 55,000 miles in the time I've owned
it.I've never done more than regular maintenance work,and it gives me a grin
every time I run it up to redline.The maintenance requirements aren't bad on
Alfas, as long as you remember the mantra,"Water pump","timing belt",water
pump, timing belt etc.The brakes are just as good as the volvo (I'd say better
actually.You cannot lock them up under any circumstances and I don't have ABS
either.)Don't forget the Alfa "song" either.The engine noise is totally
unique,a wonderful combination of sounds you'll never hear in a Volvo.Open the
hood of an Alfa to a bunch of car guys and you'll make new friends as they
oooh and aaah over the artistry of the aluminum castings of the motor.Polish
the air plenum,it looks like a blower sitting on top of the motor. (Although
you can easily put a 302 v-8 in the volvo engine compartment,you'll never get
the same effect).Another thing is that you'll never lose your car in a large
crowded parking lot again.There may be 20 Volvos in that parking lot, but you
will only find more than one Alfa in a parking lot at Alfa club events and
conventions.You will also enjoy the fact that if your'e single, girls LOVE
Alfas.Alfas look unique and exotic;the volvo, sadly, looks like the box that
the Alfa was shipped in.Good interior space has a price.
           All good natured ribbing aside, you'll love the Alfa more than the
Volvo.No other car offers the unique good looks,the great performance,superb
handling and the absolute class winning style that is the essence of Alfa
Romeo.   
Enjoy your Alfa!
Terry and Sharon Akins
Alexandria,VA
1987 Milano gold (Alfie)
1984 GTV6 (Vito)
and numerous other pieces of automotive flotsam and jetsam

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