Alfa Romeo Disco Volante: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante catalogue data presents an unusual choice: both listed versions share the exact name 4.7 MT and have the same engine, output, transmission, drive layout, chassis specifications, and production period. The only recorded differences are acceleration and maximum speed.
The Alfa Romeo Disco Volante catalogue data presents an unusual choice: both listed versions share the exact name 4.7 MT and have the same engine, output, transmission, drive layout, chassis specifications, and production period. The only recorded differences are acceleration and maximum speed. One 4.7 MT reaches 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and 291 km/h; the other takes 4.3 seconds and reaches 292 km/h. Because prices, condition, mileage, weight, and production totals are not measured, the data does not support paying more for either version. Choose according to the performance figure you value more—or, if comparing cars for sale, use condition and price only after obtaining those details from the seller.
Alfa Romeo Disco Volante versions compared
The Disco Volante has one recorded generation, produced from 2012 to 2020 as a Coupe. That generation contains two catalogue entries, both named 4.7 MT. There is therefore no intergenerational decision to make and no recorded restyling to compare.
The two versions are also equal in every recorded engine and drivetrain category. Each has a 4,691 cc Gasoline engine producing 450 hp at 7,000 rpm and 331 kW, with 470 Nm at 4,750 rpm. Both engines have 8 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 4 valves per cylinder, No boost, distributed injection (multi-point), and a compression ratio of 11.25. Both versions use 98 fuel, a Manual gearbox with 6 gears, and RWD.
| Version | Production | Body | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 MT — 4.2-second version | 2012–2020 | Coupe | 450 hp / 331 kW | 470 Nm | 4,691 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 8 | V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 gears | RWD |
| 4.7 MT — 4.3-second version | 2012–2020 | Coupe | 450 hp / 331 kW | 470 Nm | 4,691 cc | Gasoline, 98 | 8 | V-shaped | No | Manual, 6 gears | RWD |
Engine specs and power per litre
With 450 hp from 4,691 cc, each 4.7 MT produces approximately 95.9 hp per litre. Torque output is approximately 100.2 Nm per litre. These calculated figures are identical because the two catalogue entries have the same displacement, power, and torque.
There is no power advantage to buying one version over the other: the difference is 0 hp, 0 kW, and 0 Nm. Their recorded engine speeds are equal as well, with maximum power at 7,000 rpm and maximum torque at 4,750 rpm. Engine location is not measured for either version.
Weight per horsepower cannot be calculated because kerb weight is not measured. Any claim that one version has a better power-to-weight ratio would therefore go beyond the available specifications.
Performance: acceleration or maximum speed?
The first 4.7 MT accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 291 km/h. The second 4.7 MT reaches 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 292 km/h.
That creates a very narrow trade-off:
- The 4.2-second 4.7 MT is 0.1 second quicker to 100 km/h.
- The 4.3-second 4.7 MT has a maximum speed that is 1 km/h higher.
- Both have 450 hp, 470 Nm, a Manual gearbox with 6 gears, and RWD.
For acceleration, choose the 4.7 MT identified by its 4.2-second result. For the highest recorded maximum speed, choose the 4.7 MT identified by its 292 km/h figure. Neither entry dominates both performance measurements.
A 0–60 mph time is not measured. The available acceleration test is 0–100 km/h, so it should not be presented as a 0–60 mph result.
Fuel economy and mpg
City fuel consumption is not measured for either 4.7 MT. Highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is also not measured. Consequently, mpg cannot be calculated or used to distinguish the versions.
CO₂ emissions and environmental class are not measured for either entry. Both versions specify Gasoline and 98 fuel, but the data provides no basis for claiming that one is cheaper or more economical to operate.
Dimensions, weight, and practical specifications
Kerb weight is not measured for either 4.7 MT, and gross weight is not measured. Ground clearance is 110 mm for both versions, leaving a difference of 0 mm between them.
Fuel-tank capacity is not measured. Wheel sizes are not measured. Other exterior dimensions are not measured in the supplied catalogue data, so there is no recorded dimensional advantage for either version.
Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Independent, spring rear suspension. Both also have Ventilated disc front brakes and ventilated disc rear brakes. These specifications give neither version a recorded chassis or braking advantage.
| Specification | 4.7 MT — 4.2-second version | 4.7 MT — 4.3-second version |
|---|---|---|
| Kerb weight | not measured | not measured |
| Gross weight | not measured | not measured |
| Weight per horsepower | not measured | not measured |
| Ground clearance | 110 mm | 110 mm |
| Fuel-tank capacity | not measured | not measured |
| Wheel sizes | not measured | not measured |
| City consumption | not measured | not measured |
| Highway consumption | not measured | not measured |
| Combined consumption | not measured | not measured |
Price, value, and cars for sale
Price is not measured for either 4.7 MT. Used value, original price, seller location, mileage, condition, and the number produced are also not measured. The catalogue data therefore cannot establish a fair price, identify a better-value version, or confirm how many Alfa Romeo Disco Volante cars were made.
The figures also do not distinguish UK, USA, or other regional specifications. A listing described as a Disco Volante Spyder, a 1952 Disco Volante, or another differently identified model cannot be compared with these two Coupe entries using this dataset alone.
If two cars for sale match these specifications, the recorded performance difference is too limited to justify a numerical price premium from the catalogue data: one gains 0.1 second in the 0–100 km/h test, while the other gains 1 km/h in maximum speed. What any extra money buys in condition, history, mileage, or rarity is not measured.
Which Alfa Romeo Disco Volante version should you buy?
Choose the 4.2-second 4.7 MT if quicker recorded acceleration is the priority. It matches the other version’s 450 hp and 470 Nm but reaches 100 km/h 0.1 second sooner.
Choose the 292 km/h 4.7 MT if maximum speed is the deciding specification. It is 1 km/h faster at the top end, although its 0–100 km/h time is 0.1 second slower.
For most catalogue comparisons, neither version is an objectively superior all-round choice. They have equal power per litre, torque per litre, fuel type, cylinder count and layout, gearbox, drive, ground clearance, suspension, and brakes. With economy, weight, dimensions, tank capacity, wheel sizes, prices, and condition not measured, the sensible conclusion is simple: do not pay extra based solely on the version name, because both are named 4.7 MT. Identify each one by its acceleration and maximum-speed figures, then compare any actual car using verified information that is absent from this dataset.