2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia vs. Giulia Quadrifoglio
A lot of mainstream vehicles have performance versions that are sold right alongside the originals in showrooms. But not all of these performance versions are built the same way, and for some, the performance version is nothing more than an appearance package. This isn’t the case with Alfa Romeo, a brand synonymous with outstanding driving dynamics – even on their entry-level models. Performance versions of Alfa Romeo vehicles are named “Quadrifoglio”, which is Italian for four-leaf clover, the image of which is emblazoned on fender badges on these models. This comes from the tradition of painting four-leaf clovers on Alfa Romeo race cars, which began a hundred years ago, to imbue the drivers with good luck. Today it is a signifier that you are looking at a serious performance machine. Let’s take a look at just how serious the Giulia Quadrifogio is.
Giulia VS Giulia Quadrifoglio: The Numbers
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|---|---|---|
| 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint RWD | VS | 2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio |
| 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 | Engine | 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 |
| 280 | Horsepower | 505 |
| 306 LB-FT | Torque | 443 LB-FT |
| 5.1 seconds | 0-60 Time | 3.8 seconds |
| 149 mph | Top Speed | 191 mph |
| 13 inches / 12.5 inches | Brakes (front / rear) | 14.2 inches / 13.8 inches |
| $44,280 | Starting MSRP | $81,960 |
The big thing that sets the Quadrifoglio apart from the standard Giulia is the engine. While the standard Giulia is no slouch, the Qudrifoglio ratchets up the performance with a 505-horsepower 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. This engine trims an incredible 1.3 seconds off the 0-60 time, a time which was already one of the quicker ones you’ll find in the midsize sedan segment. Both versions of the Giulia use an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the Quadrifoglio isn’t available with all-wheel drive, while the standard Giulia is. Although all-wheel drive has its uses, it adds a lot of weight to the front of the car, and this can make for understeer during fast cornering. So Alfa elected not to offer it when paired with the bigger engine. The result is a near-perfect 50/50 front / rear weight distribution and the responsive handling that comes with this setup. Stopping happens a bit quicker with the Quadrifoglio too, thanks to the bigger brake rotors that are fitted under the larger 19-inch wheels.
Equipment
The Giulia comes well-equipped, with all sorts of equipment geared towards comfort, style, and everyday usability. But the Quadrifoglio is made to serve a slightly different purpose, so there are some differences beyond a bigger engine and brakes. Even before you open the door, you’ll notice much more carbon fiber on the Quadrifoglio, including the entire roof. This keeps weight down, and keeps the center of gravity low, which is good for handling. Inside, you’ll find more carbon fiber, including trim pieces and the available carbon fiber steering wheel, which is equipped with aluminum paddle shifters. Available Sparco® Racing Seats, which offer more support during hard cornering complete the race-ready set-up.. Alfa’s DNA Pro Drive Mode Selector is offered across the lineup, but only the Quadrifoglio comes with a Race mode. And even though you might prefer the sound of the engine, the Quadrifoglio comes with a 14-Speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System with Subwoofer.