In terms of performance and thrills, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio absolutely delivers. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for its reliability (though the other trims are a bit better). But, on the thrills front, there is another Giulia worth considering: the classic Alfa Romeo GTV.

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs 1973 2000 GTV: specs and features

Today, the Quadrifoglio is the range-topping model of the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia lineup. Instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder, the Quadrifoglio has a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It’s rated at 505 hp and 443 lb-ft and comes with an 8-speed automatic. That’s enough to get the rear-wheel-drive sedan from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, Car and Driver reports.

The modern Alfa Romeo Giulia, though, isn’t the first sedan to use that name. The classic Giulia debuted in the 1960s, shortly followed by several sporty coupes, Classic Driver reports. The first of these was the 1963 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT, Hemmings reports. The Sprint GT Veloce replaced it in 1965, Silodrome reports.

Then, in 1969, Alfa Romeo replaced the Sprint with the 1750 GT Veloce, aka the GTV. It featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 120 hp, RM Sotheby’s reports, which was fuel-injected in the US. Mechanically, though, rather than electronically, Hagerty reports.

The final evolution of the Alfa Romeo GTV, though, came with the 1972 2000 GTV, Road & Track reports. It has a 132-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, Hemmings reports, also mechanically-injected. In addition, the 2000 GTV features a 5-speed manual, a rear anti-roll bar, front bucket seats, and 4-wheel disc brakes.

The brakes were especially unusual for the time; even sports cars like the 240Z didn’t offer 4-wheel discs, Autocar reports. Another unusual feature was optional A/C, RM Sotheby’s reports.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio vs GTV: driving

Obviously, the Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV can’t compete with the new Giulia Quadrifoglio in terms of speed or features.

In addition to the 505-hp twin-turbo V6, the Quadrifoglio has adjustable magnetic suspension, a limited-slip differential, a carbon-fiber driveshaft, and multiple driving modes, The Drive reports. Plus, not only does it have 4-wheel discs, carbon-ceramic rotors are optional, Roadshow reports.

Also, in addition to the modern infotainment, you can also equip it with several driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning, Car and Driver reports. For 2020, though, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking is standard. AndAlfa Romeo significantly improved the Giulia’s interior, Motor Trend reports.

But, as YouTube team Throttle House explains, comparing the Alfa Romeo GTV to the Giulia Quadrigoflio is almost like comparing the E30 to the modern M3. The new car is definitely faster, sharper, more luxurious, and easier to drive. Though it’s not like driving the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio isn’t exciting, especially on a twisting road.

However, the more basic GTV has its own strengths. Firstly, it’s more than 1000 pounds lighter than the Quadrifoglio. And while the transmission can be stubborn occasionally, the car is arguably just as reliable as the modern one. The owner of the (admittedly restored) GTV Throttle House drove tracks it regularly without suffering engine issues.

But the analog nature of the Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV means the driver is more involved in every aspect of the driving process. It’s not as sharp, but it’s just as fun. And then there’s the deep growl of the four-cylinder engine, which is rawer than the Quadrifoglio’s V6.

Pricing and availability

The 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio starts at $74,500. A 2020 BMW M4 is about $5000 cheaper, but it’s down 80 hp and is only available as a coupe. But Top Gear reports that, even with the optional Competition Package, the M4 isn’t as good as the Alfa.

In comparison, though, the classic Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV can be something of a bargain. True, some examples have gone for new-Quadrigoflio money on Bring a Trailer. However, a good-condition model, Hagerty reports, typically costs less than $40,000. In July 2020, a 1975 model went for $30,000 on BaT.

But, if you want some extra modernity in the GTV, there are restomods available. And one of the leading experts, Gear Patrol reports, is British firm Alfaholics.

Admittedly, the company’s GTA-R, with a 230-hp four-cylinder engine, many carbon-fiber body panels, and titanium-and-aluminum gas suspension, maybe a bit much for some. Especially given the $315,000 asking price, R&T reports. But the company also supplies parts and does less-extensive restoration, too. And even restored GTVs often cost less than a new Quadrifoglio, BaT reports.

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