Compare the2022 Jaguar F-TypeVS 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
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The F-Type has standard Autonomous Emergency Braking, 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 F-Type offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 4C doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The F-Type’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The 4C doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The F-Type has standard Parking Aid to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The 4C doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The F-Type’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 F-Type’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 F-Type’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 4C doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

The F-Type has standard InControl, 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 F-Type 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 Jaguar F-Type weighs 1197 to 1433 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 F-Type comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 4C’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 10,000 miles sooner.

The F-Type’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 4C’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Jaguar pays for scheduled maintenance on the F-Type for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Jaguar will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Alfa Romeo only pays for the first scheduled maintenance visit on the 4C.

There are over 26 percent more Jaguar dealers than there are Alfa Romeo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the F-Type’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the F-Type’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 Jaguar vehicles are better in initial quality than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar 19th in initial quality. With 39 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 Jaguar vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Jaguar 31st in reliability. With 10 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is ranked 32nd.

Engine

The F-Type P450’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 207 more horsepower (444 vs. 237) and 170 lbs.-ft. more torque (428 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The F-Type R’s standard 5.0 supercharged V8 produces 338 more horsepower (575 vs. 237) and 258 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the F-Type R is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C:

	F-Type	4C
Zero to 60 MPH	3.3 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	11.5 sec	13.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	122.7 MPH	105.8 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the F-Type’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 F-Type has 8 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (18.5 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Jaguar F-Type higher (3 out of 10) than the Alfa Romeo 4C (1). This means the F-Type produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 4C every 15,000 miles.

Transmission and Drivetrain

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Jaguar F-Type, 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 F-Type, 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 F-Type’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4C:

	F-Type	4C
Front Rotors	15 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	14.8 inches	11.5 inches

The F-Type stops much shorter than the 4C:

	F-Type	4C
70 to 0 MPH	137 feet	144 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	113 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the F-Type has larger standard tires than the 4C (F:255/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18). The F-Type R’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4C (F:265/35R20 & R:305/30R20 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18).

The F-Type’s 255/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 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 F-Type’s tires are lower profile than the 4C’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the F-Type has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard on the 4C. The 4C’s largest wheels are only 18-inches in the front and 19-inches in the rear.

Suspension and Handling

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

The F-Type has 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.

The F-Type’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The 4C doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the F-Type’s wheelbase is 9.5 inches longer than on the 4C (103.2 inches vs. 93.7 inches).

The F-Type’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (54.5% to 45.5%) than the 4C’s (41% to 59%). This gives the F-Type more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the F-Type’s turning circle is 5.6 feet tighter than the 4C’s (34.9 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The F-Type AWD’s turning circle is 3.5 feet tighter than the 4C’s (37 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

Cargo Capacity

The F-Type Convertible has a much larger trunk with its top down than the 4C Spider (7.3 vs. 3.7 cubic feet).

With its convertible body style and remote trunk release lockout, the F-Type offers cargo security. The 4C’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the F-Type Coupe offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The 4C doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Servicing Ease

The F-Type 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 F-Type 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.

Ergonomics

The F-Type has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 4C doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

When three different drivers share the F-Type, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle. The 4C doesn’t offer a memory system.

The F-Type’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel 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 F-Type’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. 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 F-Type’s front power windows 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 F-Type’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.

On a hot day the F-Type’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 4C can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Pushbutton Start standard on the F-Type allows you to start the engine without removing a key from pocket or purse. The Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The F-Type 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 F-Type’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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The F-Type has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 4C doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The F-Type has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

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

The F-Type’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 F-Type 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 F-Type’s standard rear view mirror and optional 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 F-Type offers optional 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 F-Type R 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 F-Type’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 F-Type’s optional 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 F-Type’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 removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the F-Type’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 help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the F-Type 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 with audible turn-by-turn directions, a GPS navigation system is standard on the F-Type. The F-Type’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.

The F-Type’s optional Park Assist can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 4C doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

The Jaguar F-Type comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Alfa Romeo 4C isn’t available as a coupe.

Recommendations

The Jaguar F-Type outsold the Alfa Romeo 4C by over 24 to one during the 2021 model year.