Which Alfa Romeo Giulietta Version Should You Buy?
The choice depends first on which Alfa Romeo Giulietta the buyer wants. The first-generation Sedan ran from April 1954 to January 1964, the second-generation Sedan from November 1977 to December 1985, and the third-generation Hatchback 5-door from March 2010, with a restyling introduced in March 2016.
The choice depends first on which Alfa Romeo Giulietta the buyer wants. The first-generation Sedan ran from April 1954 to January 1964, the second-generation Sedan from November 1977 to December 1985, and the third-generation Hatchback 5-door from March 2010, with a restyling introduced in March 2016. Across these four catalogue entries, the model offers very different layouts: the first generation has RWD, while every listed second- and third-generation version has FWD. For the modern hatchback, the economical choice is the restyled 1.6 TCT Diesel, with combined consumption of 3.8 l/100 km; the performance choice is the restyled 1.7 TCT Gasoline, with 240 hp, 0–100 km/h in 6 seconds and a top speed of 244 km/h.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta generations: what changed?
The first generation is a Sedan catalogued from April 1954 to January 1964 with 3 versions, all named 1.3 MT. Each combines a naturally aspirated 1,290 cc Gasoline Inline 4 engine with a 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. Outputs are 53 hp, 62 hp and 80 hp. The 80 hp version produces about 62 hp per litre, compared with about 41 hp per litre for the 53 hp version. Acceleration, fuel consumption, kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, fuel-tank capacity and wheel sizes are not measured for these versions.
The second generation is a Sedan produced from November 1977 to December 1985 with 7 versions. It switched the catalogue specification to FWD and a 5-speed Manual gearbox throughout. Engines span 1,275–1,995 cc, with Gasoline and Diesel choices producing 82–170 hp. Front suspension is Independent, torsion, while the rear is Dependent, spring. Ground clearance is 140 mm for every version; fuel-tank capacity, gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
The third generation is a Hatchback 5-door produced from March 2010 to February 2016, followed by a restyling from March 2016. The pre-restyling catalogue states 13 modifications, with 12 shown in the supplied version data; the restyling lists 9 modifications. These cars use FWD, 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Robotic transmissions, Independent, spring suspension at both ends, Ventilated disc front brakes, rear Disc brakes, a 60-litre tank and 140 mm of ground clearance.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta engine specs
Repeated version names are separated below by power, fuel and generation so that each specification remains unambiguous.
| Generation | Exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1.3 MT — 53 hp | 53 hp | not measured | 1,290 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First | 1.3 MT — 62 hp | 62 hp | not measured | 1,290 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| First | 1.3 MT — 80 hp | 80 hp | not measured | 1,290 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second | 1.3 MT — 90 hp | 90 hp | not measured | 1,275 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.6 MT — 107 hp | 107 hp | 142 Nm | 1,590 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.8 MT — 122 hp | 122 hp | 167 Nm | 1,779 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 1.8 MT — 150 hp | 150 hp | not measured | 1,779 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT — 131 hp | 131 hp | 178 Nm | 1,962 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT — 170 hp | 170 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second | 2.0 MT — 82 hp | 82 hp | 162 Nm | 1,995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.4 MT — 105 hp | 105 hp | 206 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.4 MT — 120 hp LPG | 120 hp | 215 Nm | 1,368 cc | LPG | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.6 MT — 105 hp | 105 hp | 320 Nm | 1,598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT — 140 hp | 140 hp | 350 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT — 150 hp | 150 hp | 320 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 MT — 170 hp | 170 hp | 350 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 TCT — 170 hp | 170 hp | 350 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Third | 2.0 TCT — 175 hp | 175 hp | 320 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Third | 1.4 MT — 120 hp Gasoline | 120 hp | 215 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.4 TCT — 170 hp | 170 hp | 250 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Third | 1.4 MT — 170 hp | 170 hp | 250 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third | 1.7 MT — 235 hp | 235 hp | 340 Nm | 1,742 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.4 MT — 120 hp Gasoline | 120 hp | 215 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.4 MT — 120 hp LPG | 120 hp | 215 Nm | 1,368 cc | LPG | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.6 MT — 120 hp | 120 hp | 280 Nm | 1,598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.6 TCT — 120 hp | 120 hp | 280 Nm | 1,598 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Restyled third | 2.0 MT — 150 hp | 150 hp | 320 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 2.0 TCT — 175 hp | 175 hp | 320 Nm | 1,956 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.4 MT — 150 hp | 150 hp | 230 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Manual | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.4 TCT — 170 hp | 170 hp | 230 Nm | 1,368 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
| Restyled third | 1.7 TCT — 240 hp | 240 hp | 300 Nm | 1,742 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 6-speed Robotic | FWD |
Alfa Romeo Giulietta performance and fuel economy
For the first generation, 0–100 km/h and fuel-consumption figures are not measured. The 53 hp and 62 hp 1.3 MT versions each reach 140 km/h, while the 80 hp 1.3 MT reaches 165 km/h.
Second-generation performance ranges widely. The 82 hp Diesel 2.0 MT takes 17 seconds to reach 100 km/h and has a 155 km/h top speed. The 107 hp Gasoline 1.6 MT records 12.2 seconds and 175 km/h, with consumption of 13 l/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway and 9.4 combined. The 131 hp Gasoline 2.0 MT records 9.6 seconds and 185 km/h, while using 13.3, 7.1 and 9.6 l/100 km respectively. The quickest measured second-generation version is the 170 hp Gasoline 2.0 MT at 7.5 seconds and 208 km/h; its consumption is not measured. Performance is also not measured for either 1.8 MT version.
Among the pre-restyling third-generation cars, the 105 hp Gasoline 1.4 MT is the slowest measured version at 10.6 seconds and 185 km/h. Its combined consumption is 6.4 l/100 km. The 105 hp Diesel 1.6 MT takes 11.3 seconds but uses 4.4 l/100 km combined, a reduction of 2 l/100 km. The 170 hp Gasoline 1.4 TCT reaches 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and uses 5.1 l/100 km combined; the 170 hp 1.4 MT takes 7.8 seconds and uses 5.8 l/100 km.
At the top of the pre-restyling range, the 235 hp Gasoline 1.7 MT reaches 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and 242 km/h, with combined consumption of 7.6 l/100 km. It provides about 135 hp per litre and carries about 5.6 kg of kerb weight per horsepower.
The restyled 120 hp Diesel pair makes the transmission trade-off especially clear. The 1.6 MT takes 10 seconds and uses 3.9 l/100 km combined; the 1.6 TCT takes 10.2 seconds and uses 3.8 l/100 km. The Robotic version is 10 kg heavier, 0.2 seconds slower and 0.1 l/100 km more economical on the combined cycle. It also records 99 g/km of CO₂ against 103 g/km for the Manual.
For stronger Diesel performance, the restyled 150 hp 2.0 MT records 8.8 seconds, 210 km/h and 4.2 l/100 km combined. The 175 hp 2.0 TCT cuts acceleration by 1 second and raises top speed by 9 km/h, while combined consumption rises by 0.1 l/100 km.
The restyled Gasoline range progresses from the 120 hp 1.4 MT at 9.4 seconds and 195 km/h, through the 150 hp 1.4 MT at 8.2 seconds and 210 km/h, to the 170 hp 1.4 TCT at 7.7 seconds and 218 km/h. Their combined consumption figures are 6.2, 5.5 and 4.9 l/100 km respectively. The 170 hp version delivers about 124 hp per litre, compared with about 88 hp per litre for the 120 hp version.
The restyled 1.7 TCT is the outright performance choice. Its 240 hp corresponds to about 138 hp per litre, and its 1,320 kg kerb weight equals 5.5 kg per horsepower. It reaches 100 km/h in 6 seconds and 244 km/h, but its 6.8 l/100 km combined consumption is 3 l/100 km higher than the 1.6 TCT Diesel.
Alfa Romeo Giulietta dimensions, weight and capacity
Length, width, height and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed version, so a full exterior-dimensions comparison cannot be made from these data.
First-generation kerb and gross weights are not measured. The second generation has measured kerb weights from 1,070 kg for the 1.3 MT and 1.6 MT to 1,230 kg for the Diesel 2.0 MT; the turbocharged 150 hp 1.8 MT has no measured kerb weight. All second-generation versions have 140 mm of ground clearance, while gross weight and tank capacity are not measured.
The pre-restyling third generation spans 1,280–1,392 kg in kerb weight and 1,780–1,892 kg in gross weight. The 120 hp LPG 1.4 MT is the heaviest listed pre-restyling car at 1,392 kg and 1,892 kg. Against the 120 hp Gasoline 1.4 MT at 1,280 kg and 1,780 kg, it adds 112 kg while retaining the same 120 hp and 215 Nm.
Restyled third-generation kerb weights range from 1,280 kg for the 120 hp Gasoline 1.4 MT to 1,335 kg for the 175 hp Diesel 2.0 TCT. Gross weight is not measured for every restyled version. All listed third-generation versions have a 60-litre tank and 140 mm of ground clearance; wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Alfa Romeo Giulietta version should you choose?
Choose the first-generation 80 hp 1.3 MT if the priority is the strongest specification among the early RWD Sedans. It has 27 hp more than the 53 hp version and a top speed 25 km/h higher, while both share the same 1,290 cc displacement, 4-speed Manual gearbox and RWD layout.
Within the second generation, the 170 hp Gasoline 2.0 MT is the clear measured-performance choice: it is 9.5 seconds quicker to 100 km/h and 53 km/h faster than the 82 hp Diesel 2.0 MT. For a non-turbo Gasoline alternative with complete consumption data, the 131 hp 2.0 MT offers 9.6-second acceleration, a 185 km/h top speed and 9.6 l/100 km combined. Reliability, price and availability are not measured, so these cannot support a purchase recommendation.
For a modern Giulietta with the lowest stated combined consumption, choose the restyled Diesel 1.6 TCT at 3.8 l/100 km. Buyers who prefer Manual can select the 1.6 MT: it has the same 120 hp and 280 Nm, accelerates 0.2 seconds faster, and consumes 0.1 l/100 km more combined.
For a balance of Diesel performance and economy, the restyled 175 hp 2.0 TCT is the stronger option. It provides 55 hp more than the 120 hp 1.6 TCT, reaches 100 km/h 2.4 seconds sooner and is 24 km/h faster, while its combined consumption is only 0.5 l/100 km higher.
For Gasoline performance without choosing the maximum-output car, the restyled 170 hp 1.4 TCT supplies 50 hp more than the 120 hp Gasoline 1.4 MT, reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 1.7 seconds and raises top speed by 23 km/h. Its listed combined consumption is also 1.3 l/100 km lower. For maximum acceleration and speed, choose the restyled 240 hp 1.7 TCT: no other listed Giulietta matches its 6-second acceleration or 244 km/h top speed.
Price, cars for sale, engine-oil capacity, engine-number location, weight distribution, problems and reliability are not measured in the supplied data. They should therefore be checked separately rather than inferred from these performance and specification comparisons.