Detroit, Michigan -- Like car enthusiasts everywhere, the editors of AUTOMOBILE get into really dumb arguments. There was the time, for instance, when we couldn't agree whether the Isuzu Vehicross was a freak of nature or stroke of genius. Here's another office tussle: Would we rather own a 2014 BMW M235i or a 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C? They both cost around $50,000 and both were All-Stars in 2015 . Other than that, well, they have absolutely nothing in common.
With most of our quarrels, we agree to disagree. But we happen to have the tools at hand to explore this one. The 2014 BMW M235i has been in our Michigan office for 10 months and has earned our affection over some 26,000 miles and on several racetracks . Our long term 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C now lives in California, and, I assume from senior editor Chris Nelson's report of his cross-country drive, still smells like cow dung . But we Michiganders did take delivery of a 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, which costs a bit more than the coupe but is functionally the same and smells just fine. We fold up the Spider's removable softtop, slide back the M235i's sunroof, and head for some of our favorite local back roads.
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider never lets you forget you're driving something special. The turbo four-cylinder is constantly expressing itself through both the polished exhaust outlets and a loud blow-off valve. The unassisted steering requires strong arms and a firm grip even if you think you're going straight. And, of course, the Alfa looks amazing. As we cruise a two-lane that winds along the Huron River, little boys and grown men alike gawk and wonder. When we park, a motorcyclist turns off for a better look.
Though the BMW M235i is hanging right behind the Alfa the whole time, it might as well be invisible. The styling clearly says it's a BMW, which is all anyone cares to know. Its smooth inline-six engine struggles to make itself heard over the noisy Italian. At one point, I hit the ignition button and realize the engine is already running.
