2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV vs 1993 Ferrari 348: new vs used

THERE IS JUST ONE thing in life that carries greater financial risk than buying an Italian car – buying an old Italian car.

With a taste for fast pasta, then, and this firmly in mind, the answer of which to choose – a showroom-fresh Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio or a Ferrari Berlinetta from 25 years earlier – might seem obvious.

Well, sure, it’d be logical to reason that the new Alfa has a warranty, as well as pace and ability, safety and efficiency to shade a superseded supercar... for some. We’d instead get a bit hot under the gold chain knowing that for new-car money you could have a proper, mid-engined exotic.

7

But, really, the purchase decision could come down to a whole range of factors. Are you comfortable with the fact the $160K needed to put the 348 in your garage is the mere tip of the iceberg in terms of cost of ownership? But, perhaps it’s more important that driving brings a sense of occasion, greater even than that in Alfa’s M3-bashing, 375kW, twin-turbo return-to-form.

Shift your gaze again to the last Prancing Pony to bear Enzo’s influence – a machine of 224kW, 3.4-litre V8 and enough open shift-gated goodness to satisfy the deepest of ’90s poster-car cravings.

However, in the end, it could also come down to pure practicality – you need a backseat – but we know you’re better than that.

7

A weekend toy will always pull rank. In the final reckoning, it’s the way classic values are bolting that makes up our mind. The 348’s projected growth might even offset the next oil change. This old Horse is a leap worth taking.

Classies Watch

Modern classic tempters we found on tradeuniquecars.com.au

7

1994 Ferrari 348 TS - $159,990
3.4L V8, 224kW/323Nm, 37,700km, Melbourne, Vic
The ‘ts’ means it has a fabric targa top. This example is one of only 68 RHD cars in a rare colour combination.

7

1983 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 - $20,250
2.5L V6, 118kW/213Nm, 80,000km, Sunbury, Vic
Real, red-blooded Italian on a budget complete with musical V6 and transaxle.

7

1990 Toyota MR2 - $8999
2.0L 4cyl, 115kW/186Nm, 267,324km, Surfers Paradise, QLD
Mid-engined fun that won’t send you broke. She’s done a few kays.

7

2013 BMW M3 coupe - $69,990
4.0L V8, 309kW/400Nm, 97,366km, Port Melbourne, Vic
We reckon the E92 is the M3 high water mark, and they’re still good buying.