Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 1987
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owners are deeply passionate about the GTV's stunning design and the charismatic Busso V6 engine, often describing the car as a beautiful, emotional machine that provides immense driving pleasure.
15 problems reported (2 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentExtremely high repair costs (916 generation)
- Very frequentFrequent breakdowns (916 generation)
Owners report the car is unreliable, with one owner stating the car never made it home under its own power in its last two years.
- RecurrentTiming chain tensioner failure (Twin Spark engines)
Owners report it needs replacement every 4 years or 60,000 miles.
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRust on rocker panels
A common problem shared with the 147, 156, and 159 models.
- RecurrentHigh oil consumption
The engine consumes oil, especially when driven at high RPM or with the wrong oil.
- RecurrentPoor visibility
Owners cite difficulty with pulling out of junctions, parking, and changing lanes.
- RecurrentSlow unless revved out (Twin Spark)
The 2.0 TS is described as slow in normal driving.
- RecurrentHard to find parts (916 generation)
Owners note parts are difficult to source, and aftermarket parts are often better than OEM.
- IsolatedUncomfortable for tall drivers
One owner reports the car is poor for taller individuals.
- IsolatedUseless rear seats and tiny boot
Noted as impractical for daily use.
- IsolatedHigh fuel consumption
Noted as a concern for daily driving.
- IsolatedDifficulty entering in freezing weather
One owner reports a 10-15 minute struggle to get into the car if it freezes.
- IsolatedEngine harness wiring issues
One owner is building a complete harness from scratch due to the cost of a replacement.
- IsolatedPoor paint color matching on bodywork
One owner notes their car has mismatched door and wing colors.
- IsolatedBody filler on rear panels
One owner reports their car has a lot of filler on the back.
The version owners recommend
The 3.2L V6 Busso 24V (Phase 3 facelift, 2003-2006) is widely considered the most desirable and rare version of the 916 GTV. Owners praise its engine sound, power delivery, and the fact that only 512 GTVs and 512 Spiders were produced with this engine. For the earlier 105/115 series, the 1750 and 2000 models are both highly regarded, with the 2000 being a particularly sought-after classic.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Fiat 124, Maserati Gran Turismo, Ferrari 360 Modena and Mazda MX-5.
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Overall sentiment
Owners are deeply passionate about the GTV's stunning design and the charismatic Busso V6 engine, often describing the car as a beautiful, emotional machine that provides immense driving pleasure. However, this enthusiasm is overwhelmingly tempered by severe reliability concerns, especially for the 916 generation, with many owners explicitly warning against using it as a daily driver due to frequent breakdowns, high maintenance costs, and parts scarcity. The earlier 105/115 series GTV is viewed more favorably as a classic car, with some owners reporting it as "reliable as hell" for its era, though still requiring the patience typical of any vintage vehicle.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the GTV as a more emotional and design-focused choice compared to its competitors, but acknowledge it is less practical and reliable. The 916 GTV is seen as a less expensive alternative to a Maserati Gran Turismo, sharing the same platform philosophy. It is also compared to the Fiat 124, with owners noting the 124 is not a stellar seller and that a new GTV would need to be a different proposition. The 105/115 series is sometimes mentioned in the context of engine swaps, with one owner referencing a Ferrari 360 V8 swap into a GTV.
Recommended configurations
Owners strongly recommend the 3.2L V6 Busso for the 916 generation, citing its rarity and superior driving experience. The 2.0L Twin Spark is described as slow unless revved hard and is considered one of the least reliable Alfa engines, requiring constant attention. The 2.0L Turbo Busso is noted as a rare and interesting alternative, but owners agree it cannot match the sound of the naturally aspirated 3.0L or 3.2L V6. For the 105/115 series, the 1750 and 2000 models are both recommended, with the 2000 being a particularly desirable classic.
General recommendations
The 916 GTV is not recommended as a daily driver. Owners advise it is strictly a weekend or hobby car, best used in summer and stored in a garage. A second, reliable daily driver is considered essential. For the 916, potential buyers should budget for high ongoing maintenance and be prepared for frequent repairs. The 105/115 series GTV is recommended for classic car enthusiasts who have a garage, a trusted independent mechanic, and are prepared for the realities of owning a vintage vehicle. For both generations, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is critical, with particular attention to rust on the 916's rocker panels and the condition of the timing chain tensioner on Twin Spark models.
Remarks
The 916 GTV is a car of extremes: universally praised for its timeless design and the glorious Busso V6, but equally universally criticized for its poor reliability and high running costs. The 105/115 series GTV is a different proposition, a classic car that is more reliable for its era but still requires dedicated ownership. A new GTV model is a frequent topic of discussion, but owners are pessimistic about Alfa Romeo's ability to produce one under Stellantis, citing financial constraints and a focus on SUVs. The 916 GTV is particularly rare in the United States due to the 25-year import rule, making it a unique sight. Analysis based on approximately 24 substantive owner discussions.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 116
6 2.5 V6
2.5L 6-cylinder · 160 hp · RWD
Built 1980–1987