2019 Alfa Romeo 4C

Propelling the rear wheels, you'd find a small 1.7L inline-4 turbocharged engine that works in conjunction with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Together you get output of 237 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque that zips quickly from naught to 60 mph in 4.3s. Due to its small size, the cabin is cramped and there's abysmal but do-able storage capacity. Amidst the competition, we review the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible against the likes of Jaguar F-Type Convertible, and Porsche 718 Boxster. Does the Alfa Romeo's racecraft and luxury brand have what it takes against these two marquee's? Read on to find out.

Offered in a single trim, the 4C Spider Convertible starts at $66,900 and offers a 1.7L with 4 cylinders and a turbocharged engine. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and the powertrain churns out 237 horses and 258 pulling forces. Propelling the rear wheels, Alfa Romeo's convertible Italian comes with a distinct design and seating only for 2 passengers. It comes in different packages at and each configuration introduces only aesthetic features.

Trim	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible
MSRP	$66,900
Key Features	Remote Keyless Entry
	Leather cum cloth seats
	AM/FM Stereo Radio With MediaHub
	Cruise Control
	Rearview Camera
	Alfa DNA Pro Drive Mode System with Race Mode
	Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
	Electronic Stability Control

We Recommend

Coming in only a single trim, the 4C’s additional dual-mode Akrapovic exhaust is a sweeter purchase for it reduces the overall loud sound of the convertible. The rest of the car is just fine.

With its turbocharged mid-engine layout and high-effort controls, the 4C commands a driver's respect and delivers a high sensation of speed. When driven in its sweet spot, the 4C is rewarding and feels like a modern classic. But you should pick something else if you're looking for a daily driver. -edmunds

The little Italian beauty comes with a 1.7L inline-4 Turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Churning out 237 horses and 258 pound feet of torque, the Alfa Romeo throws all that power through its rear wheels. Its turbocharged mid-engine layout is an enthusiastic machine on track, with excellent weight-to-power ratio, albeit there seems to be a bit of turbo lag.

Pulling 2500 pound convertible, the paltry output of the powertrain are but just numbers as the performance is top notch and fast on the 4C Spider. But its resonating rumble from under the hood gets too loud after a certain time and proves to be distasteful for some. The soft top is not really a cruiser or a city driver.

Its competition shows mixed results with the 4C at the lowest end of the spectrum but just as powerful, whereas the most powerful in terms of output is the BMW M240i.

Models	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
MSRP	$66,900	$64,845	$59,000	$50,400	$31,180	$51,850	$31,500
Engine	1.7L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.0L i6	2.3L, Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 engine	2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8 Speed automatic	6 Speed manual	8 Speed automatic	6-speed manual	9-speed automatic	6-speed manual
Horsepower	237 hp @ 6000 rpm	296 hp@ 1500rpm	300 hp@ 6500rpm	335 hp@ 5500rpm	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 5800	275hp @ 5600
Torque	258 ft-lbs @ 2200 rpm	295 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm	280 ft-lbs@ 1950rpm	369 ft-lbs@ 1520 rpm	350 lb-ft. @ 3000 rpm	273 lb-ft @ 1800	295 lb-ft @ 3000-4500

Acceleration

Quite frankly, the numbers don't do justice to the performance of the 4C. Clocking 4.3s in 0-60 mph while taking flat 13c in the quarter mile, the Alfa Romeo is technically the fastest of the lot. Its 1.7L engine boasts great performance while the rest of the two's and three's have similar timings however they don't match up to the 4C Spider's spectacularity.

Models	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
0-60 MPH	4.3 sec	5.4 sec	4.9 sec	4.5 sec	5.0 sec	6.1 sec	5.4 sec
Quarter mile	13	14.1 sec	12.7 sec	13.1	13.0 sec	14.1 sec	14 second
Engine	1.7L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L H4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded	3.0L i6	2.3L	2.0 Liters	2.0 Liters
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	6.8	N/A	7.4	7.1	N/A	N/A

Ride and Braking

The Alfa Romeo is a small and zippy car that is bound to entertain on track, and that is true even in its ride and handling. Overcoming challenging tarmac and twisty roads, the convertible takes it all in its stride. The soft top has a stiff ride and as a result, tuned to handle through swooping apexes and corners. Body roll is limited while steering control is unassisted that translates to harder slow-speed car control. However as you attain greater speeds, the car is fluid to take control and provides great feedback. The convertible's lightweight design really works wonders for thrashing the car as you want to tame it.

The Brembo-made brakes on the 4C Spider bring the 2500 pound convertible works like a charm. It brings the soft top from 60-0 mph in a distance of 107 feet which is really impressive. While the competition takes similar times, the Alfa Romeo is still relatively an athletic machine. However the pedal feels too sensitive and can react unstably especially at higher speeds.

Model	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Brake Front (in.)	12	14	13	13.4	12.6	13	12.6
Brake Rear (in.)	11.5	12.8	11.8	13.6	12.6	11.8	12.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2487	3405	2944	3790	3706	3894	3627
60-0 MPH (ft.)	107	101	112	104	106	153 (70-0)	129

Small car with small displacement is proportional to excellent fuel efficiency, one that resemblance to an economy car. In the city, the 4C Spider attains 24 mpg while a combined 28 mpg gets it the most frugal powertrain in the pack. While these compliments are thanks to its 1.7L and size of the convertible, the real performer with a more powerful unit is the Jaguar F-Type alongside the M240i by BMW. Even the Porsche 718 Boxster gets great efficiency for its powertrain.

Model	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
MPG (city)	24	23	16	21	21	20	21	20
MPG (highway)	34	30	25	28	30	28	29	30
MPG (combined)	28	26	19	24	24	23	24	23

 

"The interior looks nice and minimalistic, but it lacks the friendlier ergonomics of other modern sports cars. Getting in and situated inside the cabin is akin to a warrior donning armor; it's rigid, claustrophobic and meant for business. If you're considering a 4C, it won't be for its touring comfort." -edmunds

Head inside the 4C Spider and you'd feel claustrophobic just looking around; the small Italian packs a compact and minimalistic design at the same time keeping in it's meant for track purpose. Comfort was barely in mind when designing this convertible however we don't really blame the engineer for he made did with what he could. Leather cum cloth sport seats with manual adjustments and leather-wrapped steering wheel make up the cabin and its materials are excellent in quality along the trim.

Getting in and out is bound to be difficult since the car is set quite low to the road. Noise cancellation is poor due to the loud engine sound and the road vibration easily enter the cabin. Due to the compact size, the rear has poor visibility.

Interior features

The interior features of the 4C include -

• Power Windows
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 7" driver information display
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Alpine sound system with CD player
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles

Cargo Capacity

At 3.7 cubic feet, you get atleast something if not no storage; the 4C Spider will hold anything but a large luggage so do not expect practicality with this convertible in your garage. Its rivals are way ahead of the Spider. The Ford Mustang holds the highest at 13.5 cubic feet, while the BMW M240i follows through; the rest? Still better than the Alfa Romeo but relatively not as great as the segment leaders.

Model	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	3.7	7.3	10.0	9.7	11.8	13.5	8.8	7.3

 

"Curvy and expressive in all the right places, the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C continues to turn heads like supercars costing multiple times as much." -thecarconnection

Lotus Elise comes to mind when describing the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible. Its ever-short design alongside a host of curves and sleek profile gives out a rather expressive sports car aesthetic than anything else. Like the quote above, the Spider manages to turn heads in the same way supercars costing tens and thousands of dollars more than the convertible.

Heavily bestowed with deep air intakes on either sides of the side profile, the soft top carries only two doors with a passenger and driver seat. Rolling on 17 and 18 inchers alloy wheels, the Italian luxury convertible draws sensuous curves and elegance. Bug-like headlights with rounded taillights and dual sporty tailpipes blended with the iconic Alfa-Romeo grille and character lines lay bare its charming yet distinct character. The manually-operated cloth roof tucks inside the trunk when folded.

Unlike the rest of the convertibles in the competition, the 4C Spider is relatively as light as a bee and that aids in its performance and handling. It even takes the crown for the shortest car on the track.

Exterior features

Some of the exterior features on the Alfa Romeo are -

• 17" front and 18" rear alloy wheels
• Halogen headlamps
• Manually-operated cloth rooftop
• Body-color exterior mirrors
• LED tail lamps
• Power-Heated exterior mirrors w/manual fold-away

Model	Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible	Jaguar F Type convertible	Chevrolet Corvette Stingray w/1LT convertible	Porsche 718 Boxster convertible	BMW M240i convertible	Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible	Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet	Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
Curb weight (lbs.)	2487	3405	3362	2944	3790	3706	3894	3627
Length(in)	157	176.0	176.9	172.4	175.9	188.5	184.5	188.3
Width(in)	73.5	74.2	73.9	70.9	69.8	75.4	71.3	74.7
Height(in)	46.6	51.5	48.9	50.4	55.2	54.9	55.3	52.9
Ground clearance (in)	4.4	3.9	N/A	4.3	5.1	NA	3.8	TBD
Wheelbase (in)	93.7	103.2	106.7	97.4	105.9	107.1	111.8	110.7
Track width (in) F/R	64.5/63.1	62.9/64.9	63/61.7	59.6/60.3	59.9/61.3	62.3/64.9	61.5/60.9	62.5/63.7

The 4C Spider convertible is not Government tested so we can't really judge how excellent the car is in terms of safety. However the built is rigid and it does offer plenty of safety features up its sleeve. Some of them include -

• Hill Start Assist
• Rear Back-up Camera
• Security Alarm
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display
• Traction Control
• Driver, Passenger and Side Front Door Airbags
• Remote Keyless

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible vs Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Desire an everyday car that comes with practicality? The F-Type is your answer; compared to the Alfa Romeo, the F-Type has better usability and feels more relaxed, and is more comfortable. The 4C Spider on the other hand is purely an athletic machine with sportish behavior and usage in mind. It all depends on your purpose; mean machine with zero accountability for being practical? Or the same but with better emphasis on comfort and daily-driver material? Your call.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible vs Porsche 718 Boxster

Similar to the Jaguar F-Type, one can argue the same with the 718 Porsche Boxster. The German convertible is a spirited and fun, comfortable and luxurious convertible, and is also an athletic being, just like the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. But the Italian 4C Spider drives with sports car in mind, while its character doesn't emphasise on daily-driving material. Once again, it depends on your call.

The entertaining Italian is a hard deal to justify. Purely bred for performance purpose, the convertible has zero sense of practicality or comfort. Its rivals are similarly fun and entertaining to drive and have excellent performance under their wheels. While some have cramped interior and less storage space, they make for such shortcomings by delivering on daily-driver material - something the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Convertible massively fails. Consider your purpose before divulging on these athletic machines.