Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Budget split

Thanks everyone.

The excitement is building with a little over 48 hours. I am desperately hoping it doesn't disappoint at the test drive.

I have trawled every thread on here - and will be looking at getting the storm cover (as per Alessandro's).

I grew up 25 miles away from Malvern - so a trip home would possibly involve a trip home for the car too!

Alpine Vs SS is a no brainer. The key elements are (IMHO):

How will they be used? For me you cannot have one 'special' car. As soon as you drive it every day it loses a lot of its magic.

If your priority is for something a bit practical then a nice 4wd estate will trounce whatever cheap practical car you buy compared the enjoyment an SS will give you.

If your priority is the fun element then the enjoyment you get from the Morgan will more than making up for our somewhat adequate everyday steed.

I loved the occasion of my SS but sold it because it wasn't a convertible. It was the most dramatic car I have owned.

I won't bother answering the fuel question because I really don't know. I do now that my Aeros always gave between 22 and 30 Mpg - very much dependent on roof position as I always drove them one way

Other cars I own/have have owned that may be relevant to your situation? 996C4S, 996TurboS, E55AMG, E36M3, E46M3, Z3M ACS, F348GTS, F16M Scuderia Spider, BMW X6, GTC Speed. Oh and 3 other Morgan but regrettably no Alpinas

Hope that helps and good luck.

PS I haven't even mentioned depreciation

Not meant as an insult, but, no matter which way you skin it, you're comparing a BMW (touring?!) with a Morgan. Other than they both share an engine maker, I cannot even begin to understand the comparison. As you rightly said, they are very different cars. One is practical, mass produced car, with a custom interior and the other is a hand built, niche, sports car. I know Alpina have heritage but when you cut it to the bone, they take a BMW, tune it and add a nice interior. Whilst this is simplification, the market see them as custom BMWs, which is why they depreciate so savagely in the UK.

Drive both, let us know what you think, and I would suggest the best advice we can give is to answer any questions you have about ownership because the choice of car, when so disparate, is really only one you can make.

Good grief Boshers, are you the man behind webuyanycar.com?

Bud

I'm a little worred that John seems to think Andy is on heat???

And I tend to follow Simon's reasoning - the cars are very different and not really comparable. This is another of those heart rules head decisions (aren't most Morgan decisions in that vein? ).

Cheers,

I really miss my Alpina Roadster S. It did exactly what I wanted a fun car to do - fast enough, handles well, looked good, sounded fantastic.

The B3 neither sounds fantastic or really looks that amazing.

The Alpina was a Z4 turned up to 11

The Supersport would be the Alpina turned upto 39!

(I had an XK 5.0 for a weekend last year so the V8 convertible bug bit then)

I came into this late and cant help but wonder if you are going to be a mogman . ( Not written to offend )

A mog avoid's the Head and goes straight for the Heart every time .

Its like having an affair with the most sensual sexy woman known , ( and your wife does not mind . )

Brownie points coming up

But JTL aren't they one and the same?

AS others have said this isn't a straight comparison, so advice from us (biased as we are!) is pretty much irrelevant.

If the mog doesn't tug at your heartstrings and require that you buy it regardless of practicality, then it probably isn't the car for you.

Most of us have bought our Morgans by the extensive use of 'Car buying Maths' (also known as Man Maths) which is a peculiar science that is capable of proving up is down and black is white.

In the end - if you want it you buy it, and the practical considerations are irrelevant.

On the other hand - would I have an Alpina instead of my Morgan? No way - but then I have other cars for other duties so it's no compromise...

I had a lengthy conversation with a friend yesterday who bought a 599 earlier in the year. He reminded me of 2 facts:
1) Ordering a new car and speccing it to the desired level is both hugely enjoyable and rewarding AND also a very quick way to lose money via depreciation

2) That cars of the 599s ilk (he considers the Supersport to be on par) attract a circus wherever they go - camera phones, gawping strangers and no lack of conversation. Am I prepared for that?

Saturday the 17th August has been relabeled Christmas Day in my calendar! Fingers crossed it drives well.