If life has you looking for a fun sports car, the Alfa Romeo 4c is not to be overlooked. Debuting in 2015, the Alfa Romeo 4c is hand-built in Modena, Italy. The 4c aimed to bring excitement around Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. market. The 4c’s eye-catching Italian styling, punchy performance and relatively reasonable base price may just make it the perfect buy if you’re bargain supercar shopping.
Alfa Romeo 4C Weight and Performance
The ‘compact supercar’ has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of about 8.2 lb/hp. This is made possible due to the lightweight carbon fiber monocoque. The monocoque weighs only 143 lbs and the full cars dry weight is less than 2,000 lbs. In the rear of the car sits a 1.7 liter turbocharged inline 4 cylinder egine that’s good for 237 horsepower. While that doesn’t sound like much, the lack of weight makes the 4c go-kart like in its handling. Zero to 60 miles-per-hour is a quick 4.2 seconds and the quarter mile time comes in at 12.9 seconds at 107 mph (2017 model year). The turbo charger noise behind you and optional Akrapovic sing out beautifully at high RPM.
Alfa Romeo 4c Handling
As you might expect, handling is where the 4c really shines. Corners can be taken at speed with absolute ease. The driver focused set up in the 4c gives you a great visibility over the nose of the car, allowing for pinpoint like accuracy through the corners. Take the Alfa Romeo 4c on the twistiest of roads and you’ll be left smiling ear-to-ear. The 4c is fitted with Alfa Romeo’s DNA drive mode selector, Dynamic, Natural, All-weather. The latter of which, meant for poor weather turns on all driver aids and has a slower throttle response. Natural brings (or attempts to) comfort. It makes driving easier with auto shifting and a more passive rear-differential. Dynamic mode will give you 25% faster gear shifts, more responsive throttle, open exhaust flaps, and a less active traction control system. Finally, not fitting into the DNA moniker, there is a Race mode. Race mode is the most extreme driving experience with all driving aids turned off.
What’s wrong with the Alfa Romeo 4c?
If you’re wanting to daily drive the 4c, or even drive it on a long trip you may want to think twice. In the name of weight savings, comfort was put aside. The bolstered race-style bucket seats are manageable on short drives but don’t offer much support. Getting in to and out of the 4c can also be a bit more challenging than your average car. While way easier than getting into a Lotus Elise, the Alfa 4C carbon tub is visible upon entry and is something you sort of need to slide your body over in order for entry and exit. The 4c is just under 47 inches tall, so you have a pretty big drop down into the car too. The cabin is small and has minimal storage space. In fact, your only storage is a small trunk in the rear; the front of the car does not open. Parking can be a tricky with limited rear-visibility but more in part due to the lack of power steering.
Why you Should buy an Alfa Romeo 4c
The Alfa Romeo 4c went out of production in 2020 with a limited edition model. However, about 9,000 4c’s were made from 2015 to 2020 and there are plenty low-miles cars to pick from in the use-car market place. In 2020, the MSRP for the 4c was $68,745 but a quick search now and you’ll find plenty for sale for anywhere between $40,000 and $50,000. In that price range, you’ll have a tough time finding a car that looks as good as the Alfa Romeo 4c and provides such a raw and exhilarating driving experience.
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