Compare the2022 Porsche 911VS 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission and Drivetrain
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The 911 (except GT3) has standard Warn and Brake Assist, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The 4C doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The 911 offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 4C doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the 911 helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The 4C doesn’t offer a night vision system.

The 911’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The 4C doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The 911 offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The 4C only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The 911’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The 4C doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 911’s optional rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 4C doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The 911 has standard Porsche Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 4C doesn’t offer a GPS response system, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the 911 and the 4C have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Porsche 911 weighs 639 to 1303 pounds more than the Alfa Romeo 4C. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

The 911’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 4C’s (12 vs. 5 years).

There are over 34 percent more Porsche dealers than there are Alfa Romeo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 911’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the 911’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the 4C’s camshafts. If the 4C’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 15th in initial quality. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is ranked 28th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 110 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is ranked 32nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 20 places higher in reliability than Alfa Romeo.

Engine

The 911’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 142 more horsepower (379 vs. 237) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 911 S’ standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 206 more horsepower (443 vs. 237) and 132 lbs.-ft. more torque (390 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 911 GTS’ standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 236 more horsepower (473 vs. 237) and 162 lbs.-ft. more torque (420 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 911 GT3’s standard 4.0 DOHC 6-cylinder produces 265 more horsepower (502 vs. 237) and 88 lbs.-ft. more torque (346 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 911 Turbo S’ standard 3.7 turbo 6-cylinder produces 403 more horsepower (640 vs. 237) and 332 lbs.-ft. more torque (590 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 911 is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C (automatics tested):

	911	911 S	4C
Zero to 60 MPH	3.4 sec	2.8 sec	4.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	8.4 sec	7.1 sec	10.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	4.4 sec	n/a	5.1 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	2.4 sec	n/a	2.9 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.1 sec	n/a	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	11.8 sec	11.1 sec	12.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	118 MPH	124 MPH	107 MPH
Top Speed	180 MPH	190 MPH	159 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the 911 GT3 4.0 DOHC 6-cylinder is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C (base engine) (automatics tested):

	911	4C
Zero to 60 MPH	2.7 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	10.8 sec	13.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	127.9 MPH	105.8 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 911 lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 4C doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 911’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 4C doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 911’s standard fuel tank has 6.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (16.9 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 911’s optional fuel tank has 13.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (23.7 vs. 10.5 gallons).

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Porsche 911 higher (5 out of 10) than the Alfa Romeo 4C (1). This means the 911 produces up to 39 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4C every 15,000 miles.

Transmission and Drivetrain

An eight-speed automatic (SMG) is standard on the Porsche 911, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the 4C.

All wheel drive, available in the 911, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Alfa Romeo 4C is not available with all wheel drive.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 911’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4C:

	911	911 Turbo S	4C
Front Rotors	13 inches	16.5 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	15.4 inches	11.5 inches

The 911 offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 4C doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 911 stops much shorter than the 4C:

	911	4C
70 to 0 MPH	133 feet	144 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	93 feet	113 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 911 has larger standard tires than the 4C (F:235/40R19 & R:295/35R20 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18). The 911 Turbo S/GT3’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4C (F:255/35R20 & R:315/30R21 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18).

The 911’s standard 235/40R19 front and 295/35R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4C’s standard 45 series front and 40 series rear tires. The 911’s optional 245/35R20 front and 305/30R21 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the 4C’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 911 has standard 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Smaller 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard on the 4C. The 911’s optional 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels are larger than the 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels optional on the 4C.

Suspension and Handling

The 911 (except Base/GT3) offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The 4C doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The 911 has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 4C’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 911 has standard power steering to make quick and controllable low speed maneuvers easy. The 4C doesn’t offer power steering.

The 911 S offers optional vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The 4C doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 911’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the 4C (96.5 inches vs. 93.7 inches).

For better maneuverability, the 911 GT3’s turning circle is 6.4 feet tighter than the 4C’s (34.1 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The 911’s turning circle is 3.7 feet tighter than the 4C’s (36.8 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

Chassis

The front grille of the 911 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 4C doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The 911 has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 4C can only carry 2.

Cargo Capacity

The 911 Cabriolet has a larger trunk with its top down than the 4C Spider (4.6 vs. 3.7 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The 911 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The 4C uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the 911 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the 4C. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Alfa Romeo. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in service department satisfaction. With a 102% lower rating, Alfa Romeo is ranked 32nd.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the 911, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The 4C doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 911’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4C doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The 911’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch. The 4C has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The 911’s front and rear power windows all open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The 4C’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The 911’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

Comfort Access standard on the 911 (except GT3) allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The 911 has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The 4C doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The 911’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 4C’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The 911 has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the 911 detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 911 offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The 4C doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The 911’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The 4C’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

The 911’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s power mirror controls are on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

When the 911 is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The 4C’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The 911’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4C doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The 911 has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the 4C.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the 911 keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 4C doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the 911’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 4C doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 911’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The 4C doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The 911’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter with a charcoal activated canister removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the 911’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation which can trigger allergies or asthma. The 4C’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 911 (except Manual) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The 4C doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the 911 has standard steering wheel controls for the radio. The 4C doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

To direct the driver from any location to a given street address, a GPS navigation system is standard on the 911. The 911’s navigation system also has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The 4C doesn’t offer a navigation system.

With standard voice command, the 911 offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The 4C doesn’t offer a voice control system.

The 911 (except Manual/GT3)’s optional Active Parking Support can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote ParkAssist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The 4C doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Porsche 911 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Alfa Romeo 4C isn’t available as a coupe.

Recommendations

The Porsche 911 outsold the Alfa Romeo 4C by over 110 to one during the 2021 model year.