BMW vs. Alfa Digests

[Spiegelthal.Dave@xxxxxxxxxxx]

Richard wrote, among other things:
...<please. i've never figured out what it is about this list; the bmw list
is
about 2400 members right now; the alfa list about 1400 members. the alfa
list never reachs the level of immaturity and stupidity that this list all
too often approaches. i don't administer the alfa list any differently.>

As a former multi-Alfa owner (and Alfa Digest reader) and current BMW
owner, I have a theory:  In general, comparing Alfa and BMW owners, it
seems to me that:
(a) BMW owners have more money to spend on their cars, therefore they wany
more "stuff".
(b) BMWs are still sold in the U.S. and well-supported with new parts and
dealer service, therefore the cars are much more easily fixed by
non-mechanically-inclined owners. Alfa owners must be home mechanics in
order to keep their cars running.
(c) BMWs are fairly common, therefore many owners want to modify their cars
to make them distinctive.  Alfas are fairly rare and becoming increasingly
rare, so that even a totally stock Alfa is unusual these days, so Alfa
owners are less interested in making modifications.
(d) Most importantly, BMWs are fairly standard in design and rather well
built.  Alfas are esoteric in many details and not nearly as sturdy ---the
net result is that Alfa owners have to fight a constant battle just to keep
their cars running, and with parts, technical expertise, and dealers either
in short supply or non-existent, Alfa owners absolutely depend on each
other to keep on the road.   So they tend to be more chummy and less
argumentative.  BMW owners, on the other hand, with many more places to
turn to and higher standards, tend to be less cooperative with each other,
more argumentative, and more nit-picky about such vital concerns as squeaks
and rattles, lighted shift knobs, etc.  Alfa owners are generally happy
just to go 10,000 miles without any major systems failures or electrical
problems. (Don't get me wrong, Alfas are wonderful cars, even more fun to
drive and look at than BMWs, IMHO).

Because of these differences, the BMW and Alfa Digests are very different.
BMW owners have the luxury of engaging in flame wars with each other about
the most insignificant issues, since their cars are basically quite
reliable and run fine with very little messing around.  Alfa owners, on the
other hand, need each other's help, and don't have time to waste on trivia
and chest-thumping.
     Dave Spiegelthal
     Calverton,VA
     Formerly:  '78 Alfa Spider, '79 Alfa Sport Sedan, '79 Alfa Sprint
Veloce
     Currently: '91 BMW 318i, '95 540iA  (wife's)

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