MINI2

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 07:15 AM

brother-in-law was telling me about a new alfa ad where they show a sewer pipe, then say...

"you've seen the movie... call us when you want to see the real italian job!"

hmmmm....

.g

warped · Aug 24th, 2003, 11:12 AM

I saw the ad as part of the Today Show 'Italian Job' movie review ... while they did say the ad was a little cheeky I can't say I was too impressed that they included the ad as part of the movie review

Alfa 147 GTA has a fantastic engine but I remain to be convinced about the rest of the package ... it might beat me in a straight line but I don't like its chances in the corners

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 11:32 AM

yeah, i forgot he mentioned it was for the GTA!

250bhp & 300Nm stock isn't something to laugh at, & i must say it has a nice stance... but i still wouldn't swap for quids!

& at $60k, only Boo's car would be a fair trade!

& i know people are aiming for similiar figures with their MCSs, but 250bhp stock thru' fwd still seems a little crazy!

warped · Aug 24th, 2003, 12:34 PM

Unfortunately my car would give Boo's a very good run for money in the price department

I'm well past $60K at this point

But the Alfa just doesn't do it for me, the GTA body kit does not integrate well and I can only imagine the wheel spin that you could generate with that engine

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 12:42 PM

having not done a mini run yet i'm really not up to speed with what everybody's got on their cars... so i s'pose there's a number of you guys hitting $60k+ then!

even if i had the cash... my MCS & a brief stint in europe would suit me much better!

warped · Aug 24th, 2003, 12:56 PM

You only live once and I get to drive the MINI everyday while Europe will always remain on the other side of the planet

Me thinks you should get yourself on the next MINI drive day ... lot of fun and plenty of people with lots of mods to show off

Your Whalen Shift Machine would prove to be a very interesting topic, I for one would definately be interested in seeing the finished product

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 01:07 PM

i've finally been able to secure the day off for the sept 21 drive-day, so will be there with bells on!

i've no issue with spending $$$ on 'cool stuff' [a category into which the mini & things like plasma TVs fit!

] & am looking @ starting with an intake system in the very near future!

only real issues are warranty & my wife's slightly different prioritisation of funds!

...especially when the expenditure will simply increase that 'brain in back of head' feeling she so loves the MCS for!

anyways, as for the whalen - here you go...

click to enlarge!

.g

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 01:10 PM

i changed the thread title for you too swamos!

AprilWhine · Aug 24th, 2003, 01:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gazah

i changed the thread title for you too swamos!

Thanks gazah, it was me standing in for swamos this time.

gazah · Aug 24th, 2003, 01:19 PM

i did think [briefly] about it's appropriateness before posting, but couldn't think of another option, so convinced myself it was okay!

these last 3 posts'll make absolutely no sense in the future!

i'll be in touch regarding the other things next week sherry!

.g

brett · Aug 24th, 2003, 01:52 PM

Saw it in yesterdays paper. Thought it was a Mini ad at first until I had a good look at the car.

Don't want to be a turncoat but I like the ALFA it looks great, nearly as good as the Mini

swamos · Aug 24th, 2003, 09:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine

Thanks gazah, it was me standing in for swamos this time.

I must have missed that one

I spoke with some high level MINI management a little while ago. When I asked how they thought MINI was selling in Aus, they replied that they were comprehensively beating their competition in the prestige hatch section, the Alfa 147.

Obviously, this has not been lost on Alfa

They are doing anything they can to try and get some publicity for their car.

We looked at one before buying the MINI, and it was quite nice and all, but not really a special car. Unlike the MINI, a 147 would hardly change your life

gazah · Aug 25th, 2003, 02:13 AM

you didn't miss too much swamos... 'smarmy' wasn't my first choice in the thread title, but sherry jumped in fairly promptly with this alternative!

Tonyt3 · Aug 25th, 2003, 02:20 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by gazah

you didn't miss too much swamos... 'smarmy' wasn't my first choice in the thread title, but sherry jumped in fairly promptly with this alternative!

Even if the Alfa will burn the Mini in a straight line, the Mini will still pass it at the end of the straight when the Alfa breaks down. Italian engineering builds things of beauty, not reliability. The amount of Alfa's you see on the 'hard shoulder' with the hazards flashing is amazing.....

Beautiful engine though.

ShermanM · Aug 25th, 2003, 02:32 AM

I agree with Swamos about the 147. I had a ggod look at one and actually drove one in Europe for a week. Still think the fun factor is higher in a MCS.
The orginal sound system is better though.

gazah · Aug 25th, 2003, 02:41 AM

& we better not speak too soon about spending time on those freeway shoulders @ night... only recently in this aussie forum we've had an MC & an MCS need replacement engines within 12-18mths of new!

i must say that when i looked at the 147s a coupla years ago i was quite impressed by the colour combos... saw a metallic black with great looking red leather seats - a fantastic match!! & i think their disguised rear-doors are also pretty nifty!

but the attraction can't have been too strong, the fact that i'm driving a mini says it all!!!

CanberraCooperS · Aug 25th, 2003, 04:51 AM

My sister drove a 147gta In Italy recently and has driven my MCS.. comparison is in..MCS 10/10 GTA 7/10 she said her 9-3 Aero handles better than it... she said that is a rocket in a straight line but does not even compare to the Mini in the handling stakes.

TimboK · Aug 25th, 2003, 08:58 AM

Canberra Cooper S - my mum has a 2002 9-3 Aero, and unfortunately, I would have to disagree with you on the handling point :-) (sweet engine though) - It handles like an absolute dog - remember they did come out in 1991.

We took the new Aero out for a spin and that handled markedly better, although it pales in comparison to the 147 and Mini simply due to its bulk.

I personally liked the 147 when I drove it around 12 months ago. I drove the Clio Sport, 147 2.0 and the MCS all back to back in the same day to try and settle on a deserved winner of my dollar. The 147 could almost be pushed as hard as the Clio and Mini - it simply lacked the poke to propel it out of the corners.

Still, 184kw driving through the front wheels is cause for concern - that sort of power needs to be fed through all four wheels of a hatch ie: Audi S3!

Harry Morant · Aug 25th, 2003, 01:10 PM

Booooooooo! Hisssssss!

Aug 24th, 2003, 07:15 AM	#1
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	what's this i hear about a smarmy alfa 'italian job' ad? brother-in-law was telling me about a new alfa ad where they show a sewer pipe, then say... "you've seen the movie... call us when you want to see the real italian job!" hmmmm.... .g come MOTOR with clubMINI Last edited by gazah : Aug 24th, 2003 at 01:11 PM.

Aug 24th, 2003, 11:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	yeah, i forgot he mentioned it was for the GTA! 250bhp & 300Nm stock isn't something to laugh at, & i must say it has a nice stance... but i still wouldn't swap for quids! & at $60k, only Boo's car would be a fair trade! & i know people are aiming for similiar figures with their MCSs, but 250bhp stock thru' fwd still seems a little crazy! come MOTOR with clubMINI Last edited by gazah : Aug 24th, 2003 at 12:41 PM.

Aug 24th, 2003, 12:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	hmmmm..... having not done a mini run yet i'm really not up to speed with what everybody's got on their cars... so i s'pose there's a number of you guys hitting $60k+ then! even if i had the cash... my MCS & a brief stint in europe would suit me much better! come MOTOR with clubMINI

Aug 24th, 2003, 01:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	i've finally been able to secure the day off for the sept 21 drive-day, so will be there with bells on! i've no issue with spending $$$ on 'cool stuff' [a category into which the mini & things like plasma TVs fit! ] & am looking @ starting with an intake system in the very near future! only real issues are warranty & my wife's slightly different prioritisation of funds! ...especially when the expenditure will simply increase that 'brain in back of head' feeling she so loves the MCS for! anyways, as for the whalen - here you go... click to enlarge! .g come MOTOR with clubMINI

Aug 24th, 2003, 01:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	i changed the thread title for you too swamos! come MOTOR with clubMINI

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

For Australian social and region specific discussion

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Aug 24th, 2003, 11:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
warped JCW No. 1459 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Neutral Bay, Sydney Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 869 Offline	I saw the ad as part of the Today Show 'Italian Job' movie review ... while they did say the ad was a little cheeky I can't say I was too impressed that they included the ad as part of the movie review Alfa 147 GTA has a fantastic engine but I remain to be convinced about the rest of the package ... it might beat me in a straight line but I don't like its chances in the corners

Aug 24th, 2003, 12:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
warped JCW No. 1459 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Neutral Bay, Sydney Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 869 Offline	Unfortunately my car would give Boo's a very good run for money in the price department I'm well past $60K at this point But the Alfa just doesn't do it for me, the GTA body kit does not integrate well and I can only imagine the wheel spin that you could generate with that engine

Aug 24th, 2003, 12:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
warped JCW No. 1459 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Neutral Bay, Sydney Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 869 Offline	You only live once and I get to drive the MINI everyday while Europe will always remain on the other side of the planet Me thinks you should get yourself on the next MINI drive day ... lot of fun and plenty of people with lots of mods to show off Your Whalen Shift Machine would prove to be a very interesting topic, I for one would definately be interested in seeing the finished product

Aug 24th, 2003, 01:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
AprilWhine Loves the Fuzzy One Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Gypsy Local Time: 02:12 PM Posts: 16,078 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gazah i changed the thread title for you too swamos! Thanks gazah, it was me standing in for swamos this time. Global Moderator

Aug 24th, 2003, 01:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	i did think [briefly] about it's appropriateness before posting, but couldn't think of another option, so convinced myself it was okay! these last 3 posts'll make absolutely no sense in the future! i'll be in touch regarding the other things next week sherry! .g come MOTOR with clubMINI

Aug 24th, 2003, 01:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
brett 1st MINI Owner in QLD !!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: St George Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 2,390 Offline	Saw it in yesterdays paper. Thought it was a Mini ad at first until I had a good look at the car. Don't want to be a turncoat but I like the ALFA it looks great, nearly as good as the Mini

Aug 24th, 2003, 09:37 PM	#12 (permalink)
swamos MINI Traitor Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Brisbane, Australia Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 4,985 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by AprilWhine Thanks gazah, it was me standing in for swamos this time. I must have missed that one I spoke with some high level MINI management a little while ago. When I asked how they thought MINI was selling in Aus, they replied that they were comprehensively beating their competition in the prestige hatch section, the Alfa 147. Obviously, this has not been lost on Alfa They are doing anything they can to try and get some publicity for their car. We looked at one before buying the MINI, and it was quite nice and all, but not really a special car. Unlike the MINI, a 147 would hardly change your life

Aug 25th, 2003, 02:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	you didn't miss too much swamos... 'smarmy' wasn't my first choice in the thread title, but sherry jumped in fairly promptly with this alternative! come MOTOR with clubMINI

Aug 25th, 2003, 02:20 AM	#14 (permalink)
Tonyt3 Track addict Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hants Local Time: 08:12 PM Posts: 6,010 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by gazah you didn't miss too much swamos... 'smarmy' wasn't my first choice in the thread title, but sherry jumped in fairly promptly with this alternative! Even if the Alfa will burn the Mini in a straight line, the Mini will still pass it at the end of the straight when the Alfa breaks down. Italian engineering builds things of beauty, not reliability. The amount of Alfa's you see on the 'hard shoulder' with the hazards flashing is amazing..... Beautiful engine though.

Aug 25th, 2003, 02:32 AM	#15 (permalink)
ShermanM MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2003 Location: Melbourne Australia Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 89 Offline	I agree with Swamos about the 147. I had a ggod look at one and actually drove one in Europe for a week. Still think the fun factor is higher in a MCS. The orginal sound system is better though. Remember to accelerateShermanM

Aug 25th, 2003, 02:41 AM	#16 (permalink)
gazah M2 Procrastinator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: sydney, OZ! Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 1,856 Offline	& we better not speak too soon about spending time on those freeway shoulders @ night... only recently in this aussie forum we've had an MC & an MCS need replacement engines within 12-18mths of new! i must say that when i looked at the 147s a coupla years ago i was quite impressed by the colour combos... saw a metallic black with great looking red leather seats - a fantastic match!! & i think their disguised rear-doors are also pretty nifty! but the attraction can't have been too strong, the fact that i'm driving a mini says it all!!! come MOTOR with clubMINI

Aug 25th, 2003, 04:51 AM	#17 (permalink)
CanberraCooperS Gone Old School Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canberra Local Time: 07:12 AM Posts: 746 Offline	My sister drove a 147gta In Italy recently and has driven my MCS.. comparison is in..MCS 10/10 GTA 7/10 she said her 9-3 Aero handles better than it... she said that is a rocket in a straight line but does not even compare to the Mini in the handling stakes.

Aug 25th, 2003, 08:58 AM	#18 (permalink)
TimboK MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Melbourne Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 20 Offline	Canberra Cooper S - my mum has a 2002 9-3 Aero, and unfortunately, I would have to disagree with you on the handling point :-) (sweet engine though) - It handles like an absolute dog - remember they did come out in 1991. We took the new Aero out for a spin and that handled markedly better, although it pales in comparison to the 147 and Mini simply due to its bulk. I personally liked the 147 when I drove it around 12 months ago. I drove the Clio Sport, 147 2.0 and the MCS all back to back in the same day to try and settle on a deserved winner of my dollar. The 147 could almost be pushed as hard as the Clio and Mini - it simply lacked the poke to propel it out of the corners. Still, 184kw driving through the front wheels is cause for concern - that sort of power needs to be fed through all four wheels of a hatch ie: Audi S3!

Aug 25th, 2003, 01:10 PM	#19 (permalink)
Harry Morant The Iron Pyrite Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Canberra ACT Local Time: 06:12 AM Posts: 830 Offline	Booooooooo! Hisssssss! Attached Thumbnails

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Italian Job	DeekosRSV	MINI in the Media	5	Oct 13th, 2003 12:43 AM
Italian Job	JugMan	Australia	6	Jul 18th, 2003 12:32 PM
the italian job	IvIcYrusIvI	MINI in the Media	11	May 21st, 2003 06:09 AM
Italian Job	IgorTheHunchback	UK & Ireland Discussion & Event Planning	10	Dec 22nd, 2002 02:37 PM
Is anyone doing the Italian Job?	mikeythemini	General Discussion	1	Oct 20th, 2002 03:10 PM