Best Car Reviews - 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano

Introduction

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano is a testament to the blend of Italian engineering with the spirit of performance that Alfa Romeo is renowned for. Released during the late 1980s, this model was aimed at car enthusiasts who craved a balance of luxury, performance, and unique European styling. The Milano stands out in the subcompact car category, offering rear-wheel drive and the charm of a classic V6 engine. This vehicle boasts an automatic 3-speed transmission, setting it apart from many of its contemporaries.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the Alfa Romeo Milano captures the essence of Italian automotive elegance, characterized by sharp lines and a striking profile.

Distinctive Angular Shape: A hallmark of late 80s styling.
Compact and Agile: Perfectly suited for urban environments.
Signature Grille Design: Enhances the front fascia's sporty appearance.
Sleek Headlights: Adding a touch of aggressive style.
Classic Alloy Wheels: Complement the vehicle's sporty stance.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Milano offers an elegantly designed cabin with a focus on driver-centric layouts.

High-Quality Materials: Leather upholstery and wood trim accents.
Comfortable Seating: Ample support for long drives.
Ergonomic Controls: Designed with the driver in mind.
Spacious Cabin: Despite its subcompact classification.
Manual Climate Control: Providing basic yet functional convenience.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano features a V6 engine with a fuel consumption of approximately 16.5 l/100 km. This setup is designed to deliver both power and sophistication.

Engine Specs: V6, Regular Gasoline, Rear-Wheel Drive.
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 9 seconds.
City Driving: Smooth and agile, perfect for maneuvering through traffic.
Highway Stability: Provides a relaxed cruising experience.
Fuel Efficiency: Best kept in mind for those mindful of fuel costs.

Technology and Connectivity

While the Milano might not boast the high-tech features present in modern cars, it does offer some conveniences for its time.

Basic Infotainment System: No touchscreens, purely functional.
AM/FM Radio: A nod to simpler times.
Basic Connectivity: Designed to meet essential needs.
Instrumentation: Clear and easy to read.
Analog Controls: Traditional and tactile.

Safety Features

Alfa Romeo has equipped the Milano with several basic safety features expected from the era.

Standard Safety Belts.
Sturdy Body Structure: Designed for impact absorption.
Basic Braking System: Managed through a well-engineered hydraulic system.
Limited Safety Tech: Due to its vintage.
No modern crash test ratings are available.

Pricing and Variants

During its release, the Milano was considered competitively priced in the subcompact market.

Base Price: Approximately $16,000 USD.
Available Trims: Options available for added features.
Pricing Compared to Competitors: Comparable with other European imports of its era.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Unique Italian design.
V6 engine with rear-wheel drive.
Luxurious interior features for its time.
Agile city performance.
Distinct Brand Legacy: Alfa enthusiasts enjoy its heritage.

Cons

High fuel consumption.
Limited safety features.
Dated technology by modern standards.
Require Routine Maintenance: To avoid common issues.
Potential for Electrical Troubles: Occasionally noted by owners.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Owning a Milano can involve moderate maintenance costs, reflective of its age and engineering.

Annual Maintenance Costs: Estimated at about $1,500 USD.
Common Problems:
- Electrical system faults.
- Transmission wear.
- Aging suspension components.
- Rust in body panels.
- Cooling system failures.

Rating

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Technology: 5/10
Safety: 5/10

User Reviews and Feedback

"I love the Milano's unique style and performance."
"Fuel efficiency is not great, but the driving experience compensates."
"Maintenance can be a hassle, but it's worth it for the collector."
"The engine is a gem, offering a pure driving thrill."
"Would like more technological features, but it has charm."

Best Cars in this Category

1987 BMW 3 Series
1987 Audi 80
1987 Mercedes-Benz 190E
1987 Saab 900
1987 Volkswagen Jetta

Summary

The 1987 Alfa Romeo Milano is best suited for those who appreciate a blend of vintage charm with sporty performance. Its distinctive design and responsive handling make it appealing to enthusiasts, though buyers should be prepared for its limitations in technology and safety. Overall, the Milano offers a uniquely nostalgic and engaging driving experience.