Battle of the SHEDS: Alfa Romeo GTV Vs MG ZS 

Its a Rover engine not a Honda!

The front splitter is missing off the front of the ZS. Looks to me like a 120+(1.8) which would be under powered compared to the Alfa. The ZS 180 are quick cars. The V6 engines were designed and produced using BMW money!!I have driven a lot of fast metal in my time from Porsches to Subarus. It is a WRX with slippers ( with out 4 wheel drive!!) but Tiff from 5th gear was right they handle so so well for a front wheel drive car. Only paid £300 for mine and it is a fantastic car. It has been driven all around europe over the last 5 years with not a beat missed ( now covered over 136k) I also own a ZR 160, ZT 190 & an MGF vvc so a little bias. MG 180 performance car bargain and under 90 cars left on the road in the UK, so the rare factor as well.

His mg isn't working properly,inlet manifold and/or vis motors not working.I have a zs180 and to say it doesn't sound like a v6 is a joke,amazing characterful car,from 2800 revs upwards pulls very well,and the noise,that noise..

Well, I really enjoy my MG ZS diesel. That only cost me £375, never does less than 50mpg, has only cost me about £200 in repairs over the last 3 years, has excellent seats, and handles really, really well.

I drove a gtv for 8 years, still one of the best cars I’ve ever had. Thanks for the great review!!

got myself a 60th birthday pressy couple of months ago.. Alfa GTV 2 ts phaze 2 155bhp in blue... Just got back from taking her to Germany for a proper test.. OH what fun !!! grin just simply got bigger !

Still have my GTV 2.0 TS. Am considering getting a V6 Alfa GT but every time I think about selling the GTV, I don't want to part with it lol. Love the drone shots btw. Great piece of kit. Nice work.

Great video! I own a GTV Twin Spark and I prefer driving it to my Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and my Mercedes E 240. Much more rewarding drive.

Excellent video as always, keep up the good work :-)

Are you sure the vis motors were working in the mg that control the flaps in the manifold, they break a lot unless you buy the uprated ones. I had a zs saloon and took it out the first time and it felt like a normal car, it felt flat. I found out the vis motors were not working but once fixed the car was transformed. Difference being it then had enough power so you could feel the push back into the seat as soon as you accelerated and power felt instant. At around 4000rpm there is then another slight kick of power as the second set of flaps in the manifold open. I wish I never sold it

Loving the drone footage - bravo!

Can't see gtv videos cause it makes me want one so much.

Well thanks Jack! Now I'm feeling even more nostalgic for the Alfa Spider Twin Spark I sold 2 years ago. It only cost me £750, with maybe another 600 spent repairing the rear screen and rebuilding the suspension with poly bushes. That little gem never missed a beat and a colleague still owns it today. It was replaced with Giulietta QV which is also brilliant but somehow less charming. Nothing can console me now..........except maybe a Maserati 4200GT. Bugger!

The driving sections of your videos are much better without the generic music. Good going!

The V6 GTV is the one to get the 2ltr engine is nice but the Busso V6 is a whole different game.

I was present when 5th Gear filmed a three car shoot out for their TV programme at Snetterton. Jason Plato did the pedal pressing , knob shifting and wheel turning. One of the three cars was a V6 MG ZS. This was soon after production started. It was the V6 MG ZS very similar to the one here. Plato confirmed then that the MG ZS was the best handling front wheel drive car he's ever driven. Praise indeed. Previously, at an MG event, I sampled a factory pre-production "mule" MG ZS V6. Driven by someone who could really make a car perform. Apart from the handling which for an ordinary car is as Plato later confirmed, very good for a front wheel drive car. the thing that really impressed me was the glorious sound that very willing V6 made. Superb. If #27 was not impressed by that example of a V6, then he was not driving it right or more likely, as others have suggested, something or things were not right. Soon after I treated my better half to a new MG ZS in the same colour and interior as the one here. Only with the four cylinder 1.8 K-Series. The V6 was more car than needed for a family runabout. That car is in regular daily use some eighteen years later and has never missed a beat. My good lady is one of the many "un-car" car user non-enthusiasts. However, she does enjoy driving the ZS and praises it. That says an awful lot about that car. Like many fine British automotive products, underestimated by the British car consumers. Their loss. My always buys German friend and neighbour is convinced the reason my cars are so reliable is because of their ... wait for it... HONDA engines. Evidence of meejah Brainwashing right there! He no longer castigates me for my choice of getting around. Not since his Stuttgart product left him stranded on the hard shoulder of the nearby M5 Motorway. Mind you, only cost the same to repair as I paid for the new MG ZS on the road price. The Chinese owners of the marque have been very patient with the UK car consumers. For good reason, allowing sufficient passage of time before taking the UK car consumer market more seriously. Not my cup of tea, but, I see more and more Chinese MG SUV/Crossover types around locally and further afield in ever increasing numbers. Even my immediate next door neighbour has a new MG ZS EV parked now on their garage hard standing complete with charging point installed. . Where previously, both a Lexus and Mercedes once were parked. Speaking to owners of the various new MGs when parked next to them in the supermarkets, all without exception are pleased with their purchases. One woman when loading masses of shopping into the load space hatch, told me she is delighted with her MG. Previously always bought new Fords. How about that. Given marque/brand loyalty that takes some doing. The Chinese are not coming apparently, they have arrived. UK car consumers appear to like what they have to offer. Thanks to their shrewd decision, the MG marque not only lives on, but, appears to be thriving worldwide if reports on RU-vid are an accurate indication. Finally, I'd much rather have a McLaren than a Ferrari ... I'm a bit "odd" like that..😉.... Keep safe whatever you drive.. To close, keep those Ferrari updates coming #27. warts and all. That way we all can learn and better enjoy our cars. ..👍..😉

First time I’ve heard anyone say the MG doesn’t sound like a V6. I’m guessing the VIS motors which are a known fault, were faulty causing the lack of torque and muted tone. The engine is a Rover unit, not Honda it would be better to find theses things out before doing a review. Given the choice between these I’d take the ZS every time.

As many people have said, I have to wonder about what was said about the engine in the ZS. I have driven my friend's ZS180 and it sounds both charismatic and very much like a V6. Admittedly his has a decatted stainless exhaust which helps, but still it was an excellent driving experience because of that engine coupled with a brilliant chassis

KV6 was Powertrain Ltd. Sister company of Rover.

Great video fella,GTV is for me

I have never driven the Alpha but have owned a 180 since 2006. That one didn't seem that fast and perhaps VIS motors not working. Mine has a twin pipe system fitted and sounds fantastic,proper V6 soundtrack. I cant see that Alpha outperforming a healthy ZS180. The double wishbones and 3 link trailing give it very good grip,and they do have a quick rack,dont know what the bloke is talking about. Always thought Alphas had electrical issues and reliability problems? My ZS has never missed a beat and now has a charmed life as a summer only hobby car. Will never sell it,good ones now getting hard to find,love it. Rick M

You'll find the ZS Mk1 Saloon looks alot better than the hatchback in the video which in my opinion is ugly, you should give the (Mk2) ZS 180 'Saloon' a go! Really dose look fantastic! probably one of the nicest Mg's they ever did, On the engine side of things the kv6 is from a land-rover 'Freelander' very strong engine and sounds lovely. I've always loved the Styling of the GTV! A true modern classic! One of the nicest alfa's!

Sad to see the GTV go. She won't be the last owner ha ha. Good vid.

Bit more fact finding is a must before reviewing an MG. The GTV is undoubtedly a nicer looking car but I'd still prefer a ZS 180 for tearing through some country lanes.

A great comparison video. Alfa for me too. My Dad had a string of 400's / 45's (not the Z versions I'll admit) as company cars when they were new - God I hated them. I'd not long passed my driving test and would always take my Mum's Zetec Fiesta given the choice :)

I love Alfas, I had a 156 V6 and it was one of the few cars that got under my skin, it was a joy to drive but the build quality was too patchy for me. I have recently bought a Hyundai Coupe 2.0L SE and have been pleasantly surprised by the build quality, ride and handling... a very underrated car imo and you can buy decent low mileage examples for under 1500.

Had 2 V6 ZS so underated car.

Although the ZS comes in a salon this one you are driving is a hatchback Seems to be missing something off the front bumper as well

Mg zs 180 now fetching over £2500 now . I have facelift one and seats not as good as mk1 , I have spare set of door handles as they break , other than that nice car. Regards mark

The Alfa should have ben the 3.2V6-24V240Hk Busso for it to be proper,- yes, it would have been more nose heavy but, come on, it´s would have been a Busso,- preferably with a Ragazzon exhaust! Busso music!

Yeahhh, nice wheels on that GTV.

Ah just spotted something. That engine shot of the Twin Spark is not your car ;) Sure the red paint is a giveaway but that's not what I noticed first. The phase 1 GTV 2.0 TS engine does not look like that. That's a later Phase 2 engine. I had the 98 Phase 1 TS, and now I have the 2002 Ph2 TS and a 147 TS, and the engine you show is the same as both of the latter cars, but not the first ;) God I'm an Alfa nerd.

I'd really like to see a comparison between the Alfa 196 Spider and the MGF roadster.

I went to look at ZS's new in 2004, when I started to recognise parts bin syndrome I didn't bother with it. Think I saw a switch or something that I had in my '89 Metro, put me off. I'd have one now funnily enough, wouldn't bother me, but when buying new it was a deal breaker. KV6 engine is a Rover domestic produced unit, not outsourced.

the Alfa every time, obviously. But then I would say that, I sold it to you :) I miss it!

You need to push it past 4000 rpm the mg zs.

I had the ZS 180 and put 90k miles on it over 4 years. The car was thirsty but good for the cost I suppose. I'm sure when it came out the 180bhp was good but by today standard it's pretty slow. I'm now in a 335bhp M240i and will JB4 it to 400.

Comparing the wrong cars tbh, sheds yes but how can a small saloon compare to a sports coup?

That’s not a V6 MG. 99% sure it’s a 1.8L 120+

Alfa no doubt! Next shed? Older jdm car? Civic, galant,... I currently own a Volvo 360 track car. good Fun rwd :). Or putting some money in the porsche 2wd?

I prefer the Alfa Gtv, also if in the video it's a "base" version. Much better a phase 2 and V6 ;)

The saloon version of the zs180 is a much nicer car, my brother had one a long time ago, very nice car and a nice engine possibly from the Honda legend.?

and if you take the facelift version of the GTV, the interior is even 10 times more attractive and with improved seats.

comparing sedan with 2door

It’s a shame the a little more research wasn’t done before making this as it would’ve made for a good video as there aren’t many good videos on RU-vid for the ZS. I don’t believe that was a V6. It didn’t sound like the KV6, more like a 1.8 vvc and a decent reviewer would’ve known a bit about the cars. He should’ve known they didn’t have Honda engines.

Somewhat predictable result really; the MG has Honda origins, the Italian Alfa is, more charismatic, more likeable and more fun. If you pitted it against the GTV V6, there would be no contest. I have one, and it makes you think you could never drive anything but an Alfa.

The most important thing is that you DID recover your costs - so what next????

The Alfa all day long, it has the style and its Italian lol

GTV ALL DAY!

Mong... word of 2017 ;)

Thanks for the video although there is further insight in this ZS review (and a better sorted car): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OPuIjROif3s.html

The Alfa is so much more desirable. I'm not sure you'll find anyone to agree with Phil I'm afraid. Great review as always.

I’d rather have the Fiat Coupe over the GTV, it’s a better/faster car in every way except rear suspension.

You have an Alfa that won accolades galore when released yet you are surprised it’s such a good car because it’s now old? Lol. Let’s stick the same thought process to an E30 M3 or an ageing Ferrari then as well because they too are now old! Bizarre.

The Alfa looks like a much nicer car all round.

Puzzling so many here prefer the looks of the Italia Job rather than the British MG. To my old minces, the front of the Alfa looks bland and then some. The four piggy like eye sockets in those four simple round holes adds further blandness. Just plain ugly. The wedge lines of the Alfa in side view lack elegance. So my prejudicial view of the Italia Job ( yes prejudicial because we've had a MG ZS in the family fleet since new in 2003 ) . It passed its MoT today by the way. So all things considered :~ "That car's bad-looking Man... Get somethin' else." [ E. Cochran 1959 ]... 😉

The ZS V6 is a Rover unit, albeit after being significantly uprated after it was first plagued with issues when seen in some 1996 Rover 800s. Having driven both, and also the GTV V6 for a fair while. I have to say that your review is probably the most biased nonobjective and nonsensical comparison i have ever seen. The MG is leagues ahead of a 2.0 4 cylinder GTV as a sports car in terms of handling and fun. It would also absolutely annihilate the GTV on any track. Comparatively speaking I would say the Alfa has poor steering feel and they under-steer badly when pushing on, where the ZS has good steering feel and stunning chassis balance for a FWD car. The Alfa driving position is also, as usual, abominable unless you are extremely short legged. I know you are an Alfa fan and that is fair enough but at least try and be objective if you are doing a comparison or you are just wasting peoples time. How can you say the engine in the ZS does not sound like a V6? It may not sound as good as the Alfa V6 which sounds amazing as we all know, but the ZS V6 sounds miles better than any 4 pot, including the Alfa one.

Alfa all the way I'm afraid, I have the Spider version of the 916 with the 2.0 TS and it's a lovely car to drive.

That 2.0 Twin spark Alfa engine is one of the best they ever made: spun-up nice and quick, had a lovely midrange power and used to give 40+ to the gallon at motorway speeds. I always thought the 156 Sportwagon had the best looking rear end, too.

Cheap it may be but that GTV is a lovely little car, whereas furry dice wouldn't look out of place in the ZS.

I prefer the Alfa, personally it's a much better looking car inside and out. The MG ZS looks like a bad attempt to copy a BMW.

It's a K-Series V6 with 180BHP. It has similar head gasket issues as the 1.8 K-Series.

Mg for me no doubt.alfa reliability iffy .

first yay

the Alfa is the better car in every department

One of these defies time and remains quite amazingly pretty to boot. The other is grandma when she needs to get a semi move on!

And you a Ferrari man! How very dare you compare these two! Bit like comparing a Michelangelo with a cartoon. Looks-wise (and for its Busso engine especially), the GTV 3.0. V6 is an icon; whereas the MG looks like a bog-standard rep's car, a bland jelly-mould non-entity with absolutely no charm, charisma or elan! - When a car looks that boring who cares what lump's inside it! 😎 (PS much enjoying the Influenza series!)

The mg is just a Honda Accord, built in Britain, tarted up in MG drag. That Alfa is so sexy, I'd drive it if it were powered by hamsters on a wheel that refuse to do more than a walk that's slightly energy, maybe like they smelled something they don't like, and decided to switch which side of their cage they sleep on... about that speed, and I'd still choose the Alfa. I need to figure out how to get pne of these stunning Alfa GTV rad rolling art, sexified, Italian super model hotties registered, insured, and legal in the U.S.?

The MG is a Honda for christ sake

The mg is a much better looking car the alpha is ugly,I've drove both and the mg is a much better car imo.

Gran Turismo Veloce is a something special and not to be compared with this MG!

I’ll skip on those ta