The term “sports car” is thrown around all the time, but there are really a few true sports cars left in the world. But, what really is a sports car? That’s a hard one to define, but Merriam-Webster defines them as “a low, small car that seats two people and that is made for fast driving.” The 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe fits that description perfectly.
Coming in at a length of 157-inches and a height of 47-inches, the 4C Coupe is most definitely small. This was made abundantly clear when entering and exiting the car, which is a bit rough if you’re at least my height (5’11”). Once inside, there was enough space for me to feel comfortable, but not enough to lounge around in. Again, this is a sports car, not a car meant for lounging, so I can’t knock off points for that.
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Along with its stature, the car breathes “sporty” through its appearance. On the outside is a car that I had many say “looks like a supercar.” Italian style is found all over the car, giving it the sleekest look possible, while the mid-engine setup reminds us of more hardcore supercars. That being said, this car still looks pretty much unlike anything else on the road.
In order to truly be a sports car, the 4C Coupe needs to be quick and nimble… and it most definitely is. Mounted just behind the seats is a turbocharged inline-four engine that may be small, but it’s very potent. Pumping out 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, this little car is a little rocket. Thanks to its curb weight of just 2,465 lbs, the 4C Coupe has a power-to-weight ratio of 10.4 lbs/hp. In this little car, you’ll find yourself rocketing from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and hitting a top speed of 160 mph. Alright, I don’t suggest you should ever shoot for a top speed unless you’re on a closed course, but technically this car COULD go that fast. While most 0-60 times have variations, thanks to multiple transmissions, the 4C Coupe only comes with a twin-clutch-transmission six-speed automatic transmission. Now, before you scoff at there not being a manual gearbox (I know I did at first), this lightning-quick automatic will make you forget about changing gears manually. Alright, maybe you won’t forget entirely, but it’s still an impeccable automatic transmission.
From the cabin to the exterior, the 2017 Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe has just about everything you’d expect in a sports car. That is unless you’re looking for a car with power steering, because that’s not included. But for everything it does come with, grace and all, it has a base price of $55,900. Our test version was finished in White with a black interior and had multiple multiple options, and was priced at $75,745.
