Alfa Spider vs Datsun Roadster

I drive an early 70's Alfa Spider...all re-done to a high standard. It is a sweet ride, but make sure your AAA membership is all up to date

you know, Italian cars, lol!

 

The 1600 is nowhere near as good as a 2000, nowhere near as unique or valuable, and IMHO no way 9000.

I know because I owned one.

 

It is a very very difficult car to put a motor in, as are all cars that were designed for RHD and then reluctantly reformatted for LHD.

I forgot to mention that my Datsun Roadster had a Mazda 12a Bridgeport.

 

Well, yes, there really are issues. I think those cars beg to be driven regularly, that would help, but they just BREAK. Mine is over the top perfect and rarely driven, but I still have repair projects...the virtually new ignition crapped out, so need to replace and the fuel pump just clogged, so it was re-worked. They really are fantastic when running well though, right look, right sound, right sports car experience!!!

here is a thread with some photos....I kinda got yelled at for attempting to sell in the wrong place :/

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207061

 

I driven both, there is really no comparison as the Alfa is a much better car. The Datsun drives pretty much like an MGB, it's design roots are British, not Italian. Quality and performance levels are lower on the Datsun. For 9k, you could buy an excellent '70s Alfa Spider. Look for a low mile original car that has not been modified, they always drive the best and, contrary to some other posts here, my experience is that they are very reliable. Most problems on Alfas can be directly traced to low-quality repairs or lack of correct maintenance. Restoring a car properly so that it is really like buying a new (old) Alfa costs way, way more than the cars are worth, at least for cars newer than 1970, so it is rarely done right. Making a car look good is easy, making it run and drive well is much harder.

 

don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Alfa and the Alfa's marque...and in defense of mine, as good as it looks, it goes even better. It was put together by the best and drives like a bat out of hell, but they aren't Subaru's :/

I am with you, no comparison to the early Datsun.

 

It's hard to imagine any older Alfa going "like a bat out of hell" but I do think they are faster than old Datsun roadsters (but slower than a lot of newer Subarus and certainly not fast by any reasonable modern standard).

 

9K for a 69 is probably too much, unless it is truly a #1 car. This is probably what a super-clean 66 or 67 1600 would fetch.

The 2000/Solex is way better at the top end even when compared to a 2000/SU. I think you'll probably be slightly put off with a 1600, if only because you are used to a much faster version.

Certainly not as advanced as a late 60's Alfa, but it's been my experience that they are dead reliable.

If you're looking for ride quality you may also consider an early Fiat 124 spider with an engine upgrade - just make sure you buy one that someone else has poured lots of money into (I guess that last point is universal!).

 

the reference to the Subaru - related to reliability (hits head on wall)

are you always like this? lol!

 

Of course, I realized you were referring to reliability, but most new Subies ARE faster than old Alfas. I just didn't want the OP to get the wrong impression with regard to Alfa performance. When you are talking about the difference between dead slow and very slow, you have to be careful what words you use and "bat out of hell" seemed a little overstated, unless you meant a one-winged bat carrying an anvil!

 

just goofin', you are right

It just feels like I am going fast like a 'bat out of hell' because of sounds and smell - vintage sportscar style! Alfa FTW

 

here you go
http://www.sportscargallery.com/1981%20Fiat%20Turbo%20Spyder.htm
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Well, the poster that said the Datsun roadster is more like a MGB is correct - although it was introduced in 1961 (prior to the MGB). The 2000 is quite quick - at 2000 lbs., with 135HP stock, it can rip 0-60 in 8.5 seconds (of course, that was new). Hardly a slow poke...

That being said, they are tremendously reliable cars. I don't own a Datto roadster, but I have a 240Z - the thing is a tank. It's overbuilt, although by the time the Z was introduced, Nissan merged with Prince Motors and gained access to the "L" series engines. The L engine isn't exotic, but is literally bulletproof and gain be modified easily.

I don't think the Datsun 1600/2000 used the "L" engines, but I know they are reliable. The big issue with any Datsun of that period is rust (like many cars then).

 

I have a #1 condition 1969 Datsun 2000 I wouldn't sell for $50,000!

The little Datsun roadsters were raced extensively, and successfully, back in their heyday. Google Bob Bondurant and BRE racing for more details. The cars are spirited, tough little beasts, better known in the west than the east. The Alfas are beautiful - I am partial to the Giuliettas - but I love my Datsun.

My car was purchased new in Los Angeles by my father in 1969. Lousy photos, but here's the car with some Italian friends.
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Here's our team's (Dog Ciao Racing) '74 Alfa Spider LeMons car. Next race is Sept. 12-13 at Carolina Motorsports Park.
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Driven both. Totally different cars. Agree that the Datsun is more like an MG. The Alfa on the other hand is a totally better experience all the way around - much more of a refined ride and drive. And it is true that the Italian cars can be less reliable, although that has not been my experience, but unlike the Datsun you will look great sitting in the Alfa whether it is moving or not. The Italians do have the market when it comes to styling! I really do love the Alfas!