Re: Coupe GT or 4000Q for a teenager?

["Reed Hitchcock" <services@fedbar.org>]

Bill:

Cast my vote for the Coupe GT..  Here's why:

My first car was an Alfa Spider.  2 seats, but I could get 5 people in the
car in a crunch.  In fact, it was a challenge!  I wouldn't consider space
vs. carrying capacity too much of an issue here..

Personally, I would be more concerned about a kid testing his/her driving
prowess in all sorts of ways that are just _BAD_ for cars.  E-brake slides
come to mind, discovering what "lift-throttle oversteer" really means, what
effect does sand have on traction, and so on..  Now, maybe not all 16
year-olds are as "adventurous" when it comes to their cars as some of us
were, but I grew up in the time where "The Dukes of Hazzard" were role
models for the car fanatics, so do the math.  Anyway, I digress.

Given the mechanical complexity and expense of
repair/replacement/maintenance for the 4KQ, I would think that the Coupe
would be an easier first car.  Safety is bound to be comparable in either
car, all told.

-Good Luck!

-Reed