Alfa Romeo Versus Ferrari: Which One Leads The Pack?

Potential Alfa buyers in Simpsonville often ask how Alfa Romeo vehicles compare to more familiar names from the states. Today, however, we are going to take a look at Alfa's Italian relative, Ferrari. When it comes to supercars, how do Alfa Romeo and Ferrari compare? Which vehicles are better to drive?

Benson Alfa Romeo is proud to be a top European luxury dealer in Greer, South Carolina. We show consumers throughout the Carolinas how to blend passionate Italian luxury with practical daily driver affordability. Contact us for additional details at 864-479-4650.

Alfa Romeo and Ferrari - The Beginnings to Now

As a relatively new entrant to the American market compared to other European automotive offerings, Alfa Romeo vehicles are generally not as familiar to South Carolina consumers as some of the other cars from European rivals.

In fact, compared to other Italian competitors like Maserati or Ferrari, the latter of which were first sold in the US in 1949, Alfa Romeo has only recently re-entered the competition when they resumed importing vehicles in 2008. They had previously imported their vehicle to the US starting in the mid-1950s but had ceased in 1995 for a period.

Where It All Began

What Are They Worth?

Breaking with long tradition, Ferrari announced that it will produce its Purosangue SUV starting in 2022. This announcement marked a notable departure for the luxury supercar brand. The Ferrari Purosangue is now for sale, starting at a staggering $398,350.

If you have that kind of money in the bank, it might be worth considering. Most drivers desiring Ferrari-style performance SUVs, however, will have to consider other options. In fact, perhaps the most important distinction between Alfa Romeo and Ferrari vehicles is that of price. Any model in Ferrari's lineup sells for hundreds of thousands of dollars as their starting price, not to mention the extra cost of additional or premium features. 

This is where Alfa Romeo Shines. An Alfa Romeo vehicle provides a ride born of a Ferrari engine and authentic Italian design while remaining at a price range similar to that of some of the better-known German luxury brands. Many models are under or close to $100,000, making Alfa Romeo a much more affordable alternative.

Ferrari's Purosangue Alternative: The Alfa Romeo Stelvio

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is perhaps the closest equivalent to a Ferrari SUV as anything on the roads today. The 2021 version runs on a Ferrari-built 2.9-liter V6 engine, making 505 horsepower. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, the Stelvio can keep pace with many luxury sports cars and is the proud holder of many prestigious speed records.

This performance has remained consistent since then. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio boasts similar specs, with an incredible top speed of 176. With its 2.9L Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the fastest SUV available in the US.

What Makes Alfa Romeo Special?

Another key aspect of Alfa Romeo vehicles mirrors that of Ferrari offerings-the interior. With the abundant use of fine materials, including wood, leather, and carbon fiber, the interior of an Alfa Romeo vehicle provides comfort and style for every driver. The driver-focused design and intuitive 8.8-inch infotainment interface set an Alfa Romeo vehicle apart as an unparalleled driving experience.

Unlike many Ferrari vehicles, Alfa Romeo models have the interior capacity and innovative storage solutions to serve a practical function. The 2021 Stelvio crossover, for example, boasts 19 cubic feet of cargo space. The Alfa Romeo Giulia offers a similar cargo capacity with 13 cubic feet in its trunk. 

The rear seats of both vehicles also boast enough legroom for passengers to actually sit in comfortably. These dimensions are consistent in the high-performance Quadrifoglio versions of these vehicles, serving as a reminder that a car can appeal to both reason and passion.

Alfa Romeo's 2024 Lineup

In 2024, Alfa Romeo offers three different cars, each with their own draw. Whichever you choose, you are sure to be the best-looking thing on the road, with plenty of reliability, stability control, and power.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia isn't your average luxury sport sedan. It comes in a range of configurations, from sporty and refined to an absolute performance beast - the 505-horsepower Quadrifoglio with a Ferrari-designed engine. 

This car comes in five different trim levels: the Sprint, the Ti sport, the Competizione, the Veloce, and the Quadrifoglio. Even the base-level Sprint, starting at $48,450 MSRP, boasts a slew of quality features. Going into the higher trim levels, you can find an upgraded driver's seat, a premium sound system, and additional safety features and controls.

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

A major advantage to Alfa Romeo is that they offer sports-inspired SUVs in addition to cars. The 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio is Alfa Romeo's first SUV in the lineup, with impressive throttle and a wow factor that makes this stand out more than any other SUV on the road. 

The Quadrifoglio version of this vehicle, as previously mentioned, is the fastest SUV available in the US. It offers great value and balances the line between a speedy course-ready ride and a family-friendly commuter vehicle. 

Comparing this to other luxury SUVs is a disservice to those other vehicles, as nothing truly compares to the Stelvio. Even compared to Ferraris engines, the Stelvio packs a punch and stands out on the road.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

The 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale, from factory to road, is an impressive vehicle every step of the way. Small, but mighty, this SUV is the third and last of the Alfa Romeo lineup available in the US. The biggest draw of the Tonale? It is Alfa Romeo's first plug-in hybrid, a huge draw in a world where gas prices are high and climate change is on the rise.