Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs 2018 BMW M3 Competition Pack | Super saloon review | Autocar
The new Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a stunning return to form from the Italian marque, with its monster 503bhp V6 engine that can achieve 0-62mph in 3.9secs and hit 190mph. But is it a better super saloon to drive and own than the 444bhp BMW M3 Competition Pack?
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Autocar’s Matt Prior reckons so - but Dan Prosser disagrees. We sent the pair to argue it out - on some of the finest driving roads in Wales.
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Having driven both multiple times, I went for the Alfa. Adore it. Fantastic, amazing, wonderful car. Truly special.
I bought it after the test drive! its amazing and I get compliments on the road every day!
Flappy paddle gears, not sure about them, would prefer a regular manual gearbox...
@@lite4919 It's offered in a manual gearbox as well though...
How’s been the reliability of the car since then?
How many times has it broken though?
Alfa succeeding is good for BMW, because it will force them to create even better cars in the future. And we can enjoy this rivalry for many years to come!!!
Muzikayise Bullet Smiley Buthelezi finally a positiv and good comment
I agree! Competition eliminates complacency.
let's hope
@@Jonah-in-Boise-ID as long as it's fair
@@leonardodavid2842 BMW Apologist ?
I feel like the Giulia driver is in love with the car, BMW driver is just stating facts 😗☘️
But that's the thing, you always fall in love with your car when you own an Alfa. Driving Alfa is pure joy. That's also why Alfa got away with shitty quality for a long time. But they've learned their lesson and now they offer cars that both your rational and your emotional side can enjoy.
That M3 looks spectacular, they really totally changed the way it stands on the road with this redesign. It went from "meh" to by far the best looking M car ever made.
M6 Gran Coupe? E39 M5? E46 M3?
I am a very big fan of BWWs but I cannot be bias here...the Italians get it right with this quadrifoglio... fantastic piece of machinery
3 series is common these days..too many around. Giulia looks far more special to my eyes.
an m3 is very different from a 3-series my friend^ but the 3-series with m package is a sexy looking car in it self, but the m3 looks ALOT better if you see them side by side irl
There is nothing special about the 3 series nor the m3
MclovinMclove and you probably drive a Honda Civic
still looks like a repmobile 320d with an M package : )
alfamonk go to google images and compare an 340i with m package against a m4 cp/cs, the differences are massive, its wider, its lower, bigger rims, black trim makes it more agressive, carbon fiber splitters/pieces etc. you cannot not tell the differences unless you have problems with your eyes, differences are massive
I have a alfa 159 i tralvel alot in europe and it never had problems with it. Great car. Alfas are great.
i had 156 giugiaro for 15ys and only one problem with gearbox and it was my fault (i kept my arm on shift) and thats it i even drive 450km with 75% of petrol in my diesel and no problem :D now my brother drive it i have giulia :D
Which engine do you have in your 159?
@@marijanmilinovic303 Alfa i samo Alfa... ja imam 156-ticu 2001 sa 400k niko mi ne verije da je taj auto samo redovno održavan, hladnjak zamenjen, cev inter coolera zamenjena i ono stara boljka gumice ruke ramena.
Honestly both cars are amazing you go with what would make you happy.
BMW ///M exactly!!! I'd happily buy either with my own money
BMW all the way
BMW ///M - alfa cant compare with bmw, everyone knows that alfa romeo sucks at reliability
Mario Basketball yeah but it makes up for it
well said mate...
My choice would be the Alfa Romeo
I believe most people would like to say the Alfa but would go with the safe option BMW. Just because of the reliability issues, it angers to to say it because I'd love to own the Alfa but it's just that one issue.
According to the reliability index of Warrantydirect (that, unlike others, is not based on users' opinions, but on actual repairing fees, and Warrantydirect PUTS ITS OWN MONEY ON IT) the reliability of the M3 is basically crap, and inferior to ANY Alfa Romeo model. As a Brand, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Porsche occupy the 31th, 33th, 34th and 37th position out of 40 considered, so they are all quite ureliable, but Alfa is not less reliable than you average German Sportscar.
My choice would be neither, and I already own one.
You'll see 1000 BMWs for every Alfa Romeo you see, that's why the Quadrifoglio is worth it.
And there's a good reason for that, dumbass. LOL
TasteMyStinkhole Yup, just like the millions who won’t go anywhere other than McDonalds as opposed to being different and try a local restaurant. I couldn’t care less what anyone else drives as long as they enjoy driving it.
You are wrong. NUNCA (NEVER) en marcas premium de lo que sea, cantidad es mejor que calidad.
TasteMyStinkhole actually you’re the dumbasss lmfao Alfa Romeo just came to the American market around 4 years ago jealous little hater 😂😂😂
@@TasteMyStinkholeAndLikeIt yeah coz the people who are just like u , talk and behave just like u buy bmw ! have u the brains to understand what i mean? i guess not >D
BMW m3 has thirty-one years of experience, Alfa Romeo Giulia, totally new design, and after a year is already at this level. This car has enormous potential.
The first giulia came out in '62
Alfa Romeo ❤
It was my own money and I bought the Giulia. Funny thing is, it's been completely reliable, as was my Giulietta QV before it. My neighbour's M4? Complete disaster. Schadenfreude...
Was the M4 new? Complete disaster sounds a little exaggerated, care to explain?
Alistair Taylor kzhead.info/sun/g9Bsg5ameH15dqs/bejne.html
According to the reliability index of Warrantydirect (that, unlike others, is not based on users' opinions, but on actual repairing fees, and Warrantydirect PUTS ITS OWN MONEY ON IT) the reliability of the M3 is basically crap, and inferior to ANY Alfa Romeo model.
M4 ?i ts just an car without soul.
M3 for the win
Beautiful car Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 🍀
Just got back from Italy where I rented an Alfa Gulia and I can say personally that the Alfa Gulia was by far the best handling, most responsive Automobile driving experience of my life. The confidence and sheer enjoyment driving this machine in such a beutifull environment has left an impression on me that I will never forget and had to comment on .
I haven't watched Autocar in a long while, been hit and miss at times but this was automotive journalism at its best, very honest and I think your conclusion was perfect. just to add I own a 2.0 Giulia(petrol) and aside from the lack of a physical dipstick, its been flawless, gets 40+mpg, drives like a dream and the engine isn't too bad in this downtuned state(same engine as the 280bhp with a different map although AutoLusso has a 320bhp/390ft-lb map available for those who want to keep up with the best). You're bang on about them dynamically too! the whole car works when you turn in, it handles everything effortlessly and maintains that level of comfort you would expect for its more base class but without the compromise to performance driving. 5/5 star review 🙂
I come back to this review many times - Matt & Dan do a great job explaining the facts and the emotions, with a solid conclusion.
I have owned both. currently own the Alfa Quad. Quad is definitely the more refined, faster, handling, head turning and better sounding car. Its just better in every way.
Oh adams ...lol lol...adams..you work at KFC on minimum wage.....embarrassing
@@alanwayte432 how do u know that? Have you any proof? If not you're just a jealous SOAB
My dad owns a qv and I have to say its just pure fun.
Has it been reliable?
I went with a 2017 F80 ZCP but strongly considered an Alfa. No 6MT was a deal breaker for me, but I still love them both. Fantastic offering from Italy.
Still a joy to watch 4 years later
I want both!!! LOVE the look of the M3, but after seeing a blue giulia in person it looked so good too
great video lads! autocar is in a different galaxy compared to 1 year ago
The Giulia Q. is HOT. 👍
Absolutely spot on. The only two things holding the Alfa back are the questionable long term reliability (which also affects resale) and slightly underdeveloped interior tech. Both cars look fantastic though. Well done guys.
Must say that particular spec of the M3 looks fantastic!
Autocar really upped their game on the video front! Most enjoyable watch yet.
Not sure if this was addressed but the column mounted paddle shifters are a major plus when it comes to driving it aggressively over the wheel mounted paddles.
Giulia all day! I am looking to grab one for my channel soon. Such a great car,
Great Review!
mega lovely spent time by this video
The thing is... when I walk past a M3 I don't give it a second look... the other day I walked past a Giulia and my eyes were drawn to it... The M3 isn't an ugly car but it's plain/common, the Giulia is much special and much better looking. Video doesn't do it justice, once you've seen one irl you'll know.
Must agree M3 nice motor but you would not give it a second look. the roads are full of beemers. The Alfa is Stunning.
Maybe cause BMW its been around many years and Giulia came out recently ofcourse a new car will get more attention.
Common? You must live in a very wealthy neighborhood. In the United States --> California --> Beverly Hills High School, you'll see kids driving ferraris, lambos, porsches, and other exotics. Far too common to see any $500k+ car there. So where do you live where you're overrun with ///M3's, because where I live, I see ONE about every 6 months on the road.
@Open Ranks I'm not sure how to respond to a ridiculous comment by you, a 12 year old girl who lives in China. I guess if you can prove you live in any major city in the United States that would buy you at least 5% credibility
TasteMyStinkhole I live in Ohio and I see bmw’s everywhere
It's almost like you have to make excuses to buy the BMW. I bought the Alfa and 22,000 miles later, I still genuinely adore the car.
I feel like interior is behind in the alpha still a great looking car… but you can get a M3 for a little bit cheaper and it drives just as good n interior is still more up to date not saying the alpha isn’t but it’s a bit dated Im looking to buy one or the other now but I’m starting to lean more towards M3
3 time m3 owner here. After selling my last dct e92 I had a decision to make. f80 or Qv. I went with the QV. Its a 2019. Have it a year now. Love it. Zero problems with it so far. Dan was right when he said it feels more like a sports car with 4 doors. It's nuts to drive on the limit. A proper performance car experience. Still loved my old M3s though, especially the dct E92. All amazing cars for but very different cars.
I will take alfa anyday...
Of course the M3 is the obvious choice. Which is why I'd choose the Alfa.
I saw an Alfa QV at Brands Hatch recently and parked up amongst other far more expensive and exotic Italian company, glistening in the sun in that triple coat metallic red the thing looked absolutely beautiful. Currently drive the new Focus RS and got my eye on one as my next car but hit the nail on the head with long term reliability fears. But as you also said, life is indeed too short! Great review guys :)
I don't know where this legend of alfa's unreliabitlity comes from...I am Italian, I know many people who owned older alphas, I myself owned a 156 bought used (for little money) with 100K Km, lasted 200K Km more with little problems. Hope in some years the Giulia QV will be about 20-30K euros, gonna buy one for sure.
I am buying the Alfa!
lucky9381 - Good luck - if it doesn't breakdown - you will than have fun But it's really fun driving car
@@rajpopat3384 My ALFA ROMEO GT 1.9 JTD 280.000 KM now, never problems 😉
Where was this filmed? The roads looks amazing and the views hahah, please let me know thanks 👍🏾
Where is this road you guys driving the view is beautiful
German reliability is a myth, I've owned almost every German brand these last years, from a Golf R to a Cayman S and they are not more reliable than my cousin's Alfa. To me it's just a matter of taste and brand recognition, an M3/RS4/C63 is a statement that you've "succeeded" in life and that you want to show it, the Alfa is clearly understated, only a few car enthusiasts will know what it's worth. Personally, I wouldn't go for either of those in that price range but they are excellent cars for sure.
Simon Vuille : the thing that's surprised me about the Alfa is how much complete strangers, of all ages, stop me and want to talk about it, or give massive thumbs up as they drive past. I can't imagine that with an M3.
Alistair Taylor there's a reason never to own one right there.
That's just anecdotal evidence which is frankly bollox I have owned and covered high mileage in E46 M3 (x2), E92 M3 and now just started with an F80 CP Other than servicing an a seized caliper they have been bombproof despite track occasional use Reviewing other peoples cars is one thing, risking your hard earned cash on a car which you have no idea about long term reliability or resale value is another, and frankly too big a risk for me to take.
According to the reliability index of Warrantydirect (that, unlike others, is not based on users' opinions, but on actual repairing fees, and Warrantydirect PUTS ITS OWN MONEY ON IT) the reliability of the M3 is basically crap, and inferior to ANY Alfa Romeo model. As a Brand, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Audi and Porsche occupy the 31th, 33th, 34th and 37th position out of 40 considered, so they are all quite ureliable, but Alfa is not less reliable than you average German Sportscar.
I own the Giulia Ti Sport (Veloce) and it's a brilliant car. I've had strangers stop and take photos and ask me about it. BMW is ubiquitous whereas there's a sex appeal mystique about the Giulia.
What a wonderful, balanced and engaging review. Great to see Dan here after evo. These guys have a great screen presence and back and forth. More of the two of them autocar!
I bought the Alfa, I've run it for 18000 miles trouble free. it always puts a smile on my face. I've run M3's, RS4's ,911's and plenty of other stuff. This is hands down the best car I've ever owned. I love it!!!!!!! I reckon the only supercar with 4 doors. You can keep your infotainment systemsand just concentrate on the bloody road.
Great review gents :-) Looking forward to some time in the Alfa !
I will definetly look for an aftermarket one in few years! Not quite sure about reliability of giulia QV...
Alfa is faster, sounds better, handles better, looks better, is cheaper, is more unique and overall this is more car for the money. Definitely Alfa!
Brilliant review.
Did they fix the crank hub issue with this m3 comp?
Honestly, both are great cars. can't go wrong with either. it all boils down to your personal preference.
Well done. Completely fair review.
Woah! Well done Alfa!
Watching this video again (after buying my QV) and I totally agree with Matt. There are M3s everywhere. I adore my QV and it gets lots of admiring looks. I just wish they had a less extreme tyre option.
How’s the car been doing in terms of reliability?
The DCT being more made for the F80 is a pretty general consensus. However, I have a manual in mine and wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad BMW gives you the option for it, even if it isn't a frequently bought option.
Both cars awesome but can you please let me know which roads you were driving on??
@Matt Prior - I've purchased a Giulia Quadrifoglio recently and I have to say that your words played a fair part in my decision. There are only a handful of "auto journalists" that I pay attention to and you are among those few. As to the car itself, it is as you said "utterly utterly brilliant" :)
Its kind of all down to what key would you rather have in your pocket, me personally would take the m3 because it just looks and feels so premium and how aggresive the front end looks
Great video! Thumbs up!
I want Dan's sweater. Anyone know what it says or where to get?
Can someone please tell me where these roads are? They look amazing.
They both look amazing. The Alfa sounds better but I'd take the Beemer because of reliability, interior quality and residual values.
What roads were used for testing?
Does anyone knows the name of the music in the beginning of the vídeo?
Great video, you two work very well together! Bring it on!
Brilliant review and conclusion! Problematic Italian is good enough to out weigh its issues
Informative video guys. I'd take a punt on the Alfa too were I in the market for one.
I'm always a bit baffled when someone drools over BMW's interiors. Yes, they would be quite good... for a mid '90s car. Unfortunately a pair of decades passed. That dashboard is just old. The hard plastic around the gear shift (and the gear shift) seem something that came out of a chips packet. Fantastic seats? They seem to have been taken from a tour bus. BMW had served interiors like that for a pair of decades by now, but, for some weird wizardry, none seems able to notice it! P.S. According to the reliability index of Warrantydirect (that, unlike others, is not based on consumers' opinion, but on actual repairing fees, and Warrantydirect PUT ITS OWN MONEY ON IT) the reliability of the M3 is basically crap, and inferior to ANY Alfa Romeo model.
Yes! This is exactly what I’v been saying. Alfas are not the same anymore and same goes for ze germans. The statistic have flipped.
Thoroughly enjoyed the video, thanks. My car was one of the first UK cars, delivered in mid-Jan and has now covered over 11,000 miles. It has not put a foot wrong. The engine electronics problems that seem to plague the press cars are not as prevalent as you may think. My car is not out of the ordinary, a fair few people have suffered but the impression that problems are inevitable is not correct. I'd also like to add that the ZF auto, while a tad slower than the BMW box is a fantastic gearbox in the real world. The changes are very fast and aggressive and the smoothness you are rewarded with in traffic, at junctions and in general life more than makes up for it for any milliseconds lost in shift time. It wafts around town like a Jag - just avoid speed bumps. Keep up the good work chaps.
Great review! :-)
Talking about Alfa's reliability problems while comparing it to a GERMAN car? Like they are the most reliable things in the world? Come on guys, german reliability lives right next door to Santa Claus, dragons and intelligent blondes... Awesome video btw \m/
And that's what is putting me off, the reliability problems
I hope Alfa will start making more rwd manual cars. how about an m2 and an m5 competitor?
Luv that Italian 'Lady'..any chance we could get it in Malaysia by 2017 ? Thank you for that great Video. Luv Alfa, drive Alfa, sleep Alfa.
Gulia is by far the better car, better to drive on the track, better everyday car, looks awesome and has a V6 engine straight Ferrari! No comparison to the m3 am afraid!
roomfactor would have to disagree
It looks dreadful. I'm not a fan of the BMW either.
So you've owned both? Lucky you! Your claim about better track performance is BS too: fastestlaps.com/comparisons/jzoezo1jjejf M3 wins despite ~60bhp power deficit. Oh well. And I6 beats V6. Ferrari-derived or not.
most of testers had Alfa as a winner
M3 is way better on track.
What about the ride on the 650S?
What was the colour on the m3?
Hands down one of my all time favourite videos from you guys. I was so surprised that you both chose the Alfa. Very refreshing and entertaining.
did they go through 2 alfas in one review😂. notice the different brake calliper colours
I have e60 m5 v10 and I drive this Alfa the other day in autodromo estoril (portugal) and I have to admit giulia is the better car then M3, better to drive, the steering is so precision oh my good looks awesome so beautiful, the chassis you feel everything, is simple contagion the way you can drive and feel!! And this engine V6 engine ferrari is so fast and brutal son, is unique!!! You just want to drive and drive until ever!! i love it and if I have money I will buy in the next year. cheers!
Can someone tell me were these roads are please
Why do I find myself automatically liking this video before I even watch it! lol
Is the M3 Azurite black?
This is probably the first time the Alfa Romeo team or Entire FIAT group come together to create a master piece and become a Master Class .The first Honest Effort to create a car which is best in all aspect.Means that Anytime FIAT want to make car which really set a benchmark Actually FIAT can do it.All credits to them.Pls always do that.
Thoughtful piece. You might want to update your preconception of BMW's 'reliability' given the latest JD Power reliability result - and years of owners' gripes on many online forums. Anyway, if you go the 'character' route you need to expect it ain't going to be like owning a Miele. That's what Audi's are for, init? How about a follow up piece comparing the cooking versions (250-280bhp, petrol or diesel) head to head? Would the gap be wider perhaps?
Is this Wales?
The alfa or ttrs is on my list for next car down the line. Tough choice. And both completely different
What roads are these?
Data point of 1, I have had my Giulia QV second hand since May 21 and have had zero issues. I challenge anyone to take this car out on dynamic drive and manual shift and not come back with the stupidest grin on your face.
What road was this?
Dan Prosser is a fantastic tester, how could they release him. Good, this channel has more reviews
Both cars are awesome, but if you're buying a PERFORMANCE car, the Gulia Q is superior. It has more power, and it's lighter and faster than the M3. It also has a cheaper base price.
They had a great chat which I really enjoyed, but they failed to mention the company covers you with the 3 year service period and a 5 year warranty. Can't ask for more than that. Regards, Sang.
What colour is the m3 here?
The Alfa looks awesome but I wouldn’t buy one in a million years due to the reliability issues. I would - and will be buying an M3 Competition Pack when I’ve got sick of my Golf R. The M3 for me would be my choice by an absolute ocean mile. Plenty of people may disagree with me, but I think it looks much better than the Alfa too.
A brief car history from my immediate family over the last ten years: 2 brand new volkswagens in 2005, one of them needed a new gearbox and the other has rusted. A car reviewer will happily tell you about how high quality the door sounds when you shit it but if you buy a car on how the plastic on the dash feels you're obviously not into cars. I had a fiat panda 100 for nearly 20,000 miles over 18 months and it did not put a foot wrong- that's a car people told me I'd have to "fix it again tomorrow". Perceived quality and engineering quality are two different things and with a whole new platform, like the giulia, you will of course have niggles initially. I'd love to be able to own one someday
I bought a 2018 version with only 16K miles and I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I traded in my BMW X4 MSport, bye bye
Bought a Mk4 mondeo because of autocar(I enjoy driving it.Mine was before the 4.5 version with electric steering)..If I had the cash,I'd get a Giulia QV too! :-D
Idk what he's talking about a solid cabin in the M3...unless it's different materials to every other. I changed from an E90 to F30 and the E90 had way better interior quality. F30 interior is nice but nothing to rave about.
Joshua L He's not comparing the interior with previous generations, he's comparing the M3s interior with say a 320d. The M3 feels so much more luxurious than a standard 3 series.
Good, Alfa is definitely back and the dicussions in the comments proove it. Personally I would take the Giulia, but the M3 looks cool as well.
Bring back the Autocar intro tune!
Are they seriously beating the alfa on reliability? Have you ever owned an M? Rod bearings, SMG pumps, Vanos, throttle actuators the list goes on. I don't think that's fair! You have never been paranoid until you have owned an M. Just so you know: this comment is coming from an e60 M5 owner and 118d owner. Love BMW, Love Alfa. If I had to pick one I'd go for the Alfa i think
E60 m5 one of the coolest BMW's ever made but its old problems are waiting to happen