2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray vs. 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: Performance Test - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

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2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray vs. 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C: Performance Test - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Long-Term Road Test

Track testing the Edmunds.com long-term 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray against the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C.

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brenro

Considering Alfas of yore and the Corvette's iffy build quality (Car & Driver blew the engine in theirs), I'd say both cars would require your AAA membership to be up to date.

Mike_Magrath

@brenro said:
Considering Alfas of yore and the Corvette's iffy build quality (Car & Driver blew the engine in theirs), I'd say both cars would require your AAA membership to be up to date.

One engine out of 30,000-- and counting-- does not a pattern make. Ours has been rock solid (if a little hot...) for over 25K miles. -mm

dang8

Brenro:

How can you extrapolate from the undetermined engine failure of Car and Driver’s (C/D) long-term Corvette that the C7 suffers from “iffy build quality?” If the reported engine failure of C/D’s long-term C7 is the basis of your statement, it is a baseless statement that obfuscates the terms 'build quality,' 'quality control,' and 'reliability.’ For example, the build quality of Edmund’s long-term 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is said to be impressive (e.g., see Brent Romans’ blog entry entitled “No Interior Rattles or Squeaks” dated May 26, 2014). However, as you and others who frequent this website are likely aware, the reliability of this vehicle while in the possession of Edmund’s has been well below average. If the final determination of the engine failure of C/D's long-term C7 is a design, manufacturing, or assembly defect, it would be an indictment of the C7’s projected reliability, not its build quality (and this assumes that the design, manufacturing, or assembly defect affects all C7s). Finally, as stated by Mike Magrath, one reported engine failure---even five hundred for that matter---is not evidence of an unreliable vehicle, especially when one considers the actual failure rate (e.g., 37,000 vehicles produced/500 engine failures=1.35% failure rate). For the record, GM should strive to have zero engine failures but to actually expect zero engine failures from any auto manufacture is entirely quixotic.

quadricycle

@Mike_Magrath, C&D's Corvette wasn't an isolated case, so we're far from 1/30,000. That being said, the issue, as you eluded, does definitely not appear to be widespread. Of course, time will tell us more.

bankerdanny

I don't think it's fair to say the Corvette has an edge in looks as that is a highly subjective opinion. Personally I prefer the looks of the Alfa, but I would own the Vette.

quadricycle

@dang8, I agree with what you're saying. However:

undetermined engine failure of Car and Driver’s (C/D) long-term Corvette

The cause of the C&D Corvette engine failure is not undetermined.

...is not evidence of an unreliable vehicle, especially when one considers the actual failure rate (e.g., 37,000 vehicles produced/500 engine failures=1.35% failure rate).

Although that percentage doesn't seem particularly high, a 1.35% complete engine failure rate for a vehicle that has been out for a year is actually atrocious. I really hope that there aren't 500 C7 Corvettes out there with blown engines (at least not from manufacturer defect).

mitt_zombie1

Mike_Magrath said:

@brenro said:
Considering Alfas of yore and the Corvette's iffy build quality (Car & Driver blew the engine in theirs), I'd say both cars would require your AAA membership to be up to date.

One engine out of 30,000-- and counting-- does not a pattern make. Ours has been rock solid (if a little hot...) for over 25K miles. -mm

Mike_Magrath said:

@brenro said:
Considering Alfas of yore and the Corvette's iffy build quality (Car & Driver blew the engine in theirs), I'd say both cars would require your AAA membership to be up to date.

One engine out of 30,000-- and counting-- does not a pattern make. Ours has been rock solid (if a little hot...) for over 25K miles. -mm

25k miles!!!! Wow

cbrandi

I've had both these cars on my potential "buy" list. I've owned two Alfas and would buy another. I've wanted this Corvette since It came out. I'll probably go with the Corvette because It has usable storage space. Can't take a trip in the Alfa unless you are prepared to wear the same clothes for a week.