The world of sports sedans is a battlefield where performance and passion collide. In this arena, the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio steps into the ring, ready to challenge the established champions. This review delves into what makes the Giulia Quadrifoglio a compelling, albeit emotional, choice in a segment often dominated by more pragmatic contenders.
Image alt text: Front view comparison of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio in red and the 2021 BMW M3 Competition in blue, highlighting their distinct front grille designs.
The relationship between car enthusiasts and iconic models can be complex, much like a passionate but turbulent romance. Think of the BMW M3 and its long-standing affair with drivers. For decades, it was the gold standard, a benchmark of sports sedan excellence. However, like any relationship, things can cool off. Around 2014, the M3 seemed to lose some of its spark, becoming more technically proficient but less emotionally engaging. The shift to turbocharging, while enhancing power, arguably diluted the raw, visceral driving experience that defined the M3 lineage.
But just as old flames can be rekindled, BMW introduced the G80 M3 Competition in 2021, boasting 503 horsepower and a renewed focus on performance. The controversial front grille design became a talking point, but the Competition package, with its black trim and optional Tanzanite Blue II Metallic paint, softened the initial shock for some. Starting at $73,795, the M3 Competition commands a premium over the base M3 and comes exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With optional carbon-ceramic brakes and other enhancements, the tested model reached a price of $93,495.
Image alt text: Side profile of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio showcasing its sleek Italian design and sporty stance.
Enter the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, a car that appeals directly to the heart. Alfa Romeo has long been synonymous with driving passion and seductive design. Falling for the Giulia Quadrifoglio is easy; its allure is undeniable. However, owning one can be an adventure, as highlighted by a problem-prone long-term test. Despite potential reliability concerns, the Giulia’s driving dynamics are captivating. It earned a spot on the 10Best list and previously won a comparison test in its segment. The 2019 update brought welcome additions like port fuel injectors to complement the direct-injection twin-turbo V6, maintaining the 505 horsepower output, and the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Visually, the Giulia remained largely unchanged, a testament to its already stunning design.
In terms of pricing, the Giulia Quadrifoglio starts slightly higher than the M3 Competition. While direct feature-for-feature comparison is challenging due to differing option packages, the Alfa Romeo, without the option for carbon-ceramic rotors, can be considered a relative value at $83,740 as tested.
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, emphasizing the driver-focused cockpit with analog gauges and sporty steering wheel.
Under the hood, both contenders pack serious firepower. The Giulia Quadrifoglio boasts a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6, while the M3 Competition features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six. Both engines produce over 500 horsepower and utilize ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions sending power to the rear wheels. Performance figures are remarkably close, with 0-60 mph times in the mid-3-second range. The BMW edges out the Alfa slightly in the quarter-mile sprint, but the real differences lie in the driving experience.
On the road, the BMW’s inline-six is undeniably smooth and powerful, but suffers from noticeable turbo lag. While potent when the turbo is spooled, the on-off power delivery can feel less engaging in everyday driving. The Alfa Romeo’s engine tuning prioritizes a more linear power delivery, reminiscent of a naturally aspirated engine, offering a more satisfying and predictable response. This refined power delivery evokes the spirit of turbocharged Ferraris, adding to the Giulia’s emotional appeal.
Image alt text: Dynamic shot of the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio leading the 2021 BMW M3 Competition on a winding road, illustrating their handling capabilities.
Inside, the BMW M3 Competition offers a more luxurious and refined cabin, better suited for long highway journeys. It is also quieter than the Alfa at cruising speeds. However, this refinement can also feel isolating. While the M3 is stable and composed at high speeds, the steering can feel numb, filtering out road feedback. In contrast, the Giulia Quadrifoglio provides a more visceral and connected driving experience. You feel more engaged with the road, sensing every nuance through the steering wheel, creating a heightened sense of involvement and excitement.
The Alfa Romeo’s interior, while featuring some less premium materials, prioritizes function and driver focus. The classic analog gauges are a welcome departure from the BMW’s digital cluster, which, while customizable, can be less intuitive at a glance. The sheer adjustability of the M3, with numerous settings for engine, chassis, steering, and more, can be overwhelming. Finding the optimal configuration can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of the 2021 BMW M3 Competition in blue, highlighting its aggressive styling and distinctive grille.
To push these sports sedans to their limits, a track test at Grattan Raceway was conducted. Here, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio encountered an unexpected brake issue. Premature brake pad disintegration occurred after just seven laps, possibly due to improper bedding. While Alfa Romeo investigated the incident, this raises questions about long-term durability under demanding conditions. Despite the brake issue, the Giulia’s track performance, in the laps before the incident, was exhilarating.
The BMW M3 Competition demonstrated superior performance metrics in braking and skidpad tests, and remained consistently composed throughout the track session. However, the Giulia Quadrifoglio, while not statistically dominant, offered a more emotionally engaging and driver-centric experience.
Conclusion:
In the comparison between the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and the BMW M3 Competition, the choice boils down to priorities. The BMW M3 Competition is the more rational choice, offering superior technology, refinement, and quantifiable performance. It’s a highly capable and polished machine. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio wins on passion and driving engagement. It’s a car that connects with the driver on an emotional level, offering a more thrilling and visceral experience, even with its imperfections. For those who prioritize driving passion and Italian flair above all else, the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the compelling and ultimately more rewarding choice. It’s not just a car; it’s an experience.
Specifications:
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
- Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
- PRICE Base/As Tested: $76,845/$83,740
- ENGINE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6
- Power: 505 hp @ 6500 rpm
- Torque: 443 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
- TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
- C/D TEST RESULTS: 60 mph: 3.6 sec, 1/4-Mile: 11.9 sec @ 121 mph
2021 BMW M3 Competition
- Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
- PRICE Base/As Tested: $73,795/$93,495
- ENGINE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6
- Power: 503 hp @ 6250 rpm
- Torque: 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
- TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
- C/D TEST RESULTS: 60 mph: 3.5 sec, 1/4-Mile: 11.6 sec @ 124 mph
