I've got the 1.2 Stilo, and it's a really lovely engine- town or motorway driving. It's brilliant for in and around town, but it's still got the grunt to be thrashed around the lovely back lanes of Dorset.
General Stilo or Golf?!
- Thread starter cash_123
- Start date
Currently reading:
General Stilo or Golf?!
I cant delude others, that's their opinion. The GP was pitched against small cars so thats why the press favoured them. The Stilo was up against the Golf/Civic and so faired less well off. Your comparing apples with pears.
As for Maserati looks, described by most? you gotta show me where?
Cris
New member
Easy mate - quick google and:
"But much of it must be accounted for by Fiat's decision to give the Grande Punto a streamlined, extended nose that bears a remarkable resemblance to that of the current Maserati Coup" - http://motoring.independent.co.uk/road_tests/article351093.ece
"...stunning Grande Punto, a car Auto Express said thinks it's a mini-Maserati." - http://www.glynhopkinfiat.co.uk/new-fiat-cars.html
In fact just look down the articles referenced here: http://www.fiat.co.uk/cgi-bin/pbran...r/news.jsp?session=no&categoryOID=-1073799060
Tastes are different of course but I'd go on a limb and say that the Grande Punto in three door form is the best looking car in the FIAT range (current).
From what I've seen the Bravo isn't as nice as the GP but it copying the look. FIAT need to shift cars in this market place so they're going with what works (on the GP).
It's a crying shame really because for most people the Stilo is a cracking car. The soft suspension would suit Mr Average down to the ground, and the diesels are the best in the sector (IMHO).
How about a bold move from FIAT and drop the 2.4JTD into the new Bravo and a decent sporty suspension package and make that the "sports" model. Leave Alfa to do the petrol high power versions (perhaps under the Alfasud badge???) and make some waves.
Of course Toyota is now doing this but FIAT did start the party with the Tipo TD way back when.
"But much of it must be accounted for by Fiat's decision to give the Grande Punto a streamlined, extended nose that bears a remarkable resemblance to that of the current Maserati Coup" - http://motoring.independent.co.uk/road_tests/article351093.ece
"...stunning Grande Punto, a car Auto Express said thinks it's a mini-Maserati." - http://www.glynhopkinfiat.co.uk/new-fiat-cars.html
In fact just look down the articles referenced here: http://www.fiat.co.uk/cgi-bin/pbran...r/news.jsp?session=no&categoryOID=-1073799060
Tastes are different of course but I'd go on a limb and say that the Grande Punto in three door form is the best looking car in the FIAT range (current).
From what I've seen the Bravo isn't as nice as the GP but it copying the look. FIAT need to shift cars in this market place so they're going with what works (on the GP).
It's a crying shame really because for most people the Stilo is a cracking car. The soft suspension would suit Mr Average down to the ground, and the diesels are the best in the sector (IMHO).
How about a bold move from FIAT and drop the 2.4JTD into the new Bravo and a decent sporty suspension package and make that the "sports" model. Leave Alfa to do the petrol high power versions (perhaps under the Alfasud badge???) and make some waves.
Of course Toyota is now doing this but FIAT did start the party with the Tipo TD way back when.
Thanks, saved me the effort!
I own a Stilo so I dont have a problem with it...its a decent enough car, but I'm realistic....if mine didnt have the 5 cylinder engine I wouldnt have bought it though....that engine is fantastic, but the chassis is average. It looks good as it is in banana yellow with subtle bodykit...but as a 5dr in silver it would be invisible to all!
The GP stands up well to its peers, as has been pointed out....the Stilo fell short in a lot of areas compared with the latest offerings from other manufacturers.
I like the idea of a Bravo 2.4 jtd.....its what they have done with the GP in sports form and it really seems to work. I just hope they dont drop the 5 cylinder.......Ive owned numerous Alfas and the only Alfa engine that sounds as good is the V6......maybe Fiat should make a true GT with the 5 cylinder engine. In reality thats what the Stilo Abarth is....but its been aimed at the GTI market.
I own a Stilo so I dont have a problem with it...its a decent enough car, but I'm realistic....if mine didnt have the 5 cylinder engine I wouldnt have bought it though....that engine is fantastic, but the chassis is average. It looks good as it is in banana yellow with subtle bodykit...but as a 5dr in silver it would be invisible to all!
The GP stands up well to its peers, as has been pointed out....the Stilo fell short in a lot of areas compared with the latest offerings from other manufacturers.
I like the idea of a Bravo 2.4 jtd.....its what they have done with the GP in sports form and it really seems to work. I just hope they dont drop the 5 cylinder.......Ive owned numerous Alfas and the only Alfa engine that sounds as good is the V6......maybe Fiat should make a true GT with the 5 cylinder engine. In reality thats what the Stilo Abarth is....but its been aimed at the GTI market.
Last edited:
When it comes to looks all it really comes down to is a personal opinion.
I'm perfectly able to think for myself and I don't need to read a car magazine to find out if my car stands out in a car park or not
I rejected an Abarth for my JTD
But don't get wrong I'm not suggesting it's perfect but I do believe it's a seriously underrated motor.
I place cars in three categories for handling.
I'm perfectly able to think for myself and I don't need to read a car magazine to find out if my car stands out in a car park or not
there you go...another example of personal opinion.
I rejected an Abarth for my JTD
You seem to be describing my motor which is strange as I have little trouble picking it out in a car park. In my view it's invariable the best looking motor too (the rear view and perhaps 3 Doors Stilos excluded) And before you start shouting "delusional!" - just as bozzy has said - you're going to have to explain why other motorists will often make the comment "great looking motor!" I will grant you one thing, the original Stilo 5 door design has been copied to death - firstly by VW and now by a multitude of cheap imports.
Would you like to expand on this .......preferably without quoting from motoring magazines?
But don't get wrong I'm not suggesting it's perfect but I do believe it's a seriously underrated motor.
I place cars in three categories for handling.
- The absolute dogs (e.g. Ford Cortina)
- Perfectly balanced (say any Porsche)
- Can be pushed hard with skill (many cars in between)
Of course comparison quotes would come from motor magazines, which granted arent always the ideal way of judging a car, but when they universally rate a car as average they are usually right.
The Stilo is just another modern car....its not extraordinary in any particular department and I would love to meet the people who come up and tell you your car is great looking! Perhaps you could point them to the local opticians!!!! In over 15 years of driving the only car that has ever had people coming up and saying such things as that was my Renault Alpine (but then it was a most unusual car in most departments).
On the handling front, I think you need to drive more cars....the Stilo has very numb responses compared to something like a Focus. Yes it grips the road quite well but the feedback from the chassis is poor. If you take a run out in something like a Tipo 16v you would see they are worlds apart.
What is great about the car is the technology, the engine (and I agree with you that the JTD is also a good engine....but I didnt want a diesel, hence why I wouldnt have bought a Stilo without the 5 cylinder) and the feeling of solidity that was lacking in all the earlier Fiats I owned. The theres the price......my 02 Abarth was £3200 with tax, full history, a private plate and unmarked paintwork.
The Stilo is just another modern car....its not extraordinary in any particular department and I would love to meet the people who come up and tell you your car is great looking! Perhaps you could point them to the local opticians!!!!
In over 15 years of driving the only car that has ever had people coming up and saying such things as that was my Renault Alpine (but then it was a most unusual car in most departments). On the handling front, I think you need to drive more cars....the Stilo has very numb responses compared to something like a Focus. Yes it grips the road quite well but the feedback from the chassis is poor. If you take a run out in something like a Tipo 16v you would see they are worlds apart.
What is great about the car is the technology, the engine (and I agree with you that the JTD is also a good engine....but I didnt want a diesel, hence why I wouldnt have bought a Stilo without the 5 cylinder) and the feeling of solidity that was lacking in all the earlier Fiats I owned. The theres the price......my 02 Abarth was £3200 with tax, full history, a private plate and unmarked paintwork.
Of course comparison quotes would come from motor magazines, which granted arent always the ideal way of judging a car, but when they universally rate a car as average they are usually right.
The Stilo is just another modern car....its not extraordinary in any particular department and I would love to meet the people who come up and tell you your car is great looking! Perhaps you could point them to the local opticians!!!!
On the handling front, I think you need to drive more cars....the Stilo has very numb responses compared to something like a Focus. Yes it grips the road quite well but the feedback from the chassis is poor. If you take a run out in something like a Tipo 16v you would see they are worlds apart.
What is great about the car is the technology, the engine (and I agree with you that the JTD is also a good engine....but I didnt want a diesel, hence why I wouldnt have bought a Stilo without the 5 cylinder) and the feeling of solidity that was lacking in all the earlier Fiats I owned. The theres the price......my 02 Abarth was £3200 with tax, full history, a private plate and unmarked paintwork.
I thought the discussion was around what looked better, the GP or the Stilo, not the technical differences between a Focus & a Stilo. Back to the main point which is that Stilo in my gallery looks better than any GP
Go on, take a look at my beauty and then ask why none of the GP owners have come here to argue their case.It looks pretty much like mine.....except for the wheels.....but yours will sound like a tractor!!!
It does look good, its bright, 3 door, nice alloys and at a guess, lowered a little. I bet if theres someone out there with a pic of a GP thats had similar done it will also look the mutts nuts! Posting it on the Stilo section is hardly objective though is it!!?
It does look good, its bright, 3 door, nice alloys and at a guess, lowered a little. I bet if theres someone out there with a pic of a GP thats had similar done it will also look the mutts nuts! Posting it on the Stilo section is hardly objective though is it!!?
Last edited:
The argument comes down to this as far as I can see - It is a matter of opinion. If you like a car with curves then it's gotta be the GP. If you like a car with lines then you want a Stilo.
Also if you want a generic small car = GP
If you want something a bit different = Stilo
To me the GP is a great looking car. I'd have one for sure. It has curves in all the right places, just like any beautiful woman.
But personally I prefer the lines of the Stilo (3dr). They make it look as though it's doing 100mph even when it's parked. And after all, I just wanna drive it - not shag it
Also if you want a generic small car = GP
If you want something a bit different = Stilo
To me the GP is a great looking car. I'd have one for sure. It has curves in all the right places, just like any beautiful woman.
But personally I prefer the lines of the Stilo (3dr). They make it look as though it's doing 100mph even when it's parked. And after all, I just wanna drive it - not shag it
In answer to the original question posed as to whether the Stilo is better than the Golf, I would have to say both have relative strengths and weaknesses.
I owned a 3 door Stilo and replaced it with a 5 door Golf TDI. In terms of the feeling of quality I would honestly have to say the Stilo looks better built than the MkV Golf, particularly the interior of the Stilo which has relatively nice soft touch plastics on the dashboard, (I still consider it one of better dashboards in the class, possibly second only to the A3) compared to the rather nasty materials in the Golf cabin. However, in my experience at least, the Golf has had none of the little niggles I experienced with the Stilo-e.g no random electrical faults etc.
The JTD engines are undoubtedly more refined than the PD TDI's at initial start up, but I think the gap narrows once you are up and running.
I would however say that the Golf is light years ahead as a drivers car. The chassis is much more informative and you have more confidence to push on in the corners. At the same time you get a comfortable and refined ride which makes for a relxed cruiser.
For the second hand buyer, I would have to recommend the Stilo. The prices are literally £5K less on a 1 year old Stilo than for a 12 month old Golf which is too big to excuse. That £5k will pay for an awful lot of maintenance once the warranty expires (especially at the lower Fiat prices than VW prices). If buying new, the gap is narrower and I don't think there can be any argument that a new Golf is a much safer place for private money than a new Fiat.
I owned a 3 door Stilo and replaced it with a 5 door Golf TDI. In terms of the feeling of quality I would honestly have to say the Stilo looks better built than the MkV Golf, particularly the interior of the Stilo which has relatively nice soft touch plastics on the dashboard, (I still consider it one of better dashboards in the class, possibly second only to the A3) compared to the rather nasty materials in the Golf cabin. However, in my experience at least, the Golf has had none of the little niggles I experienced with the Stilo-e.g no random electrical faults etc.
The JTD engines are undoubtedly more refined than the PD TDI's at initial start up, but I think the gap narrows once you are up and running.
I would however say that the Golf is light years ahead as a drivers car. The chassis is much more informative and you have more confidence to push on in the corners. At the same time you get a comfortable and refined ride which makes for a relxed cruiser.
For the second hand buyer, I would have to recommend the Stilo. The prices are literally £5K less on a 1 year old Stilo than for a 12 month old Golf which is too big to excuse. That £5k will pay for an awful lot of maintenance once the warranty expires (especially at the lower Fiat prices than VW prices). If buying new, the gap is narrower and I don't think there can be any argument that a new Golf is a much safer place for private money than a new Fiat.
The argument comes down to this as far as I can see - It is a matter of opinion. If you like a car with curves then it's gotta be the GP. If you like a car with lines then you want a Stilo.
Also if you want a generic small car = GP
If you want something a bit different = Stilo
To me the GP is a great looking car. I'd have one for sure. It has curves in all the right places, just like any beautiful woman.
But personally I prefer the lines of the Stilo (3dr). They make it look as though it's doing 100mph even when it's parked. And after all, I just wanna drive it - not shag it
But if you really do want to drive it I'm led to believe the GP is a better drive......as mbarrat2 points out the Stilo isnt a great drive.
.....I don't think you would!..and I would love to meet the people who come up and tell you your car is great looking! Perhaps you could point them to the local opticians!!!!
Actually it's the 2nd car which I've received positive comments about. The 1st was the VW Scirocco GT purchased just 18 mths into production in 1976 (now there was a car with superb handling).
I've driven plenty of cars in what is now coming up to almost 30 years of car ownership and I don't need a lecture from you on what car I need to drive. I never said the Stilo was perfect, and I don't necessary disagree with your criticisms, but if you read my post you'll notice I simply said I enjoyed driving it because it takes a degree of skill to get the most from it (and it's also very uncommon which I find very appealing).
Nice to know we agree on something thenWhat is great about the car is the technology, the engine (and I agree with you that the JTD is also a good engine....but I didnt want a diesel, hence why I wouldnt have bought a Stilo without the 5 cylinder) and the feeling of solidity that was lacking in all the earlier Fiats I owned. The theres the price......my 02 Abarth was £3200 with tax, full history, a private plate and unmarked paintwork.
It looks pretty much like mine.....except for the wheels.....but yours will sound like a tractor!!!
It does look good, its bright, 3 door, nice alloys and at a guess, lowered a little. I bet if theres someone out there with a pic of a GP thats had similar done it will also look the mutts nuts! Posting it on the Stilo section is hardly objective though is it!!?
Standard apart from lowering which made the biggest difference to handling. You mustn't worry about the tractor sound, it's only there until it pulls quickly away from you in your Abarth.
You should be more worried about the smoke!I often set my Stilo beside the GP's at the meets and my opinion still stands; Nice but second best.
You would have loved my Tempra 1.9D then.......it took a huge degree of skill to get the most out of!!!:spin:
Bozzy.....i dont actually think its any quicker unless youve had it chipped....but then again I dont suppose it turns in 15mpg on an enthusiastic run!!!!
But then it wont howl like a banshee at 6000rpm either:slayer:On the original heading, I should add that I wouldnt buy a Golf at all far too dull and run of the mill......with the possible exception of a nice mk1 GTI...but I dont think thats the question!!!
Last edited:
You're from Cumbria so there is a chance you may know what I'm on about.
Last year I was in Hawkshead and I took the Stilo from there to Newby Bridge. Had such a blast I kept finding any excuse to drive this route and back again. The Stilo handled it beautifully.
A couple of years ago I owned a new Saab 93 2.0TiD. This car was nowhere near as much fun. After that I was using a BMW X3 for about 6 months - again nowhere near as good as the Stilo. It's like Argonought says "challenging" makes it all the more fun.
My Stilo and that road - Heaven.
Bozzy.....i dont actually think its any quicker unless youve had it chipped....but then again I dont suppose it turns in 15mpg on an enthusiastic run!!!!
It's a fair cop, guilty as charged.
Hawkshead to Newby bridge is normally clogged with tourists doing 40mph....but empty its great fun. The Saab 9-3 wouldnt be much fun on any road....it was a Vectra mk1 in drag....and the X3....well where do I start!!!!
I do love my Stilo...for its ok looks, its mad yellow colour, for the awesome engine noise and for its build......but I'm sorry it just isnt a good drivers car (in standard form). Saying its a challenging drive is a bit of a cop out.....as I jokingly mentioned earlier my Tempra 1.9D was a challenging drive.....because you had to wring its neck and risk near death to get it to handle and go even half fast!
Bozzy.....what did you use to lower your car? Has it got a full coilover kit or just springs? I promised myself I would leave the Stilo alone and concentrate on the race car....but the handling has been a bit of a disappointment and if theres an easy solution
!
I went for Eibach's -30mm about 8 months ago. Although it made a great difference to the handling I wish I had gone for coil-overs as I think I will need to do them again at 12 months. Worth it though as the ride was transformed considerably. Absolutely did it for handling and not looks.
Did it make the ride harsh at all....or crashy? The only time I did springs alone was on an Alfa 33 and the ride became very crashy. Have only doen one road car since and used coilovers...but I havent got the money at the minute (the race season is upon me and I need loads of things before Easter)
