Hi Chris,

In my view the GTV6 is better. I am sure others will disagree. The GTV6 has a better dash, and everything in it can be fixed easily. That means the heater/ac fan, heater core, all the gauges, everything. On the Milano all that stuff is junk and a huge pain in the butt to change.

Engines are pretty much equal, the 1984 and later GTV6 engines are essentially just like the Milano 2.5s. The Milano was availaible with a 3.0, but that's an easy swap into the GTV6. Ultimately, I just like driving the GTV6 more. The Milano is slightly heavier, but not really enough to matter. Weight distribution is about the same, at least it is if you move the Milano's battery to the trunk. It's already there in the GTV6.

Check out my site, lots of GTV6 information there.

Greg,
Silicone Hose Kits

 

The GTV/GTV6 are shorter than the 75/Milano. This can be seen in the different length tailshafts.

There were 3 litre GTV6's created and sold in South Africa. These used 3 carburetor's instead of the L Jetronic EFI system.

Structurally, these cars are the basically same forward of the firewall. There are differences in that the GTV/GTV6's bonnet is front hinged and the GTV/GTV6's front guards are welded on, but the torsional rigidity of the front of the 2 different cars is the same, forward of the firewall.
As are the key suspension and steering points (all of these cars, except for the SZ/RZs have the same suspension geometry).

Weight distribution is pretty different.
The GTV6's had the battery mounted in the boot/trunk, where as the 75/Milano has the battery mounted in front of the front left wheel. That difference alone has a big impact on the handling characteristics of the 2 cars.
The 3 litre 75/Milanos also had the heavy impact absorbing bumper bars. Again having a (negative) impact on handling characteristics.
The GTV6 rear hatch and window is probably heavier, so 'technically' would pull a little more wight bias towards the rear.
Overall weight of the V6 75/Milano is higher and the spring rates are very similar if not the same. This has the heavier 75/Milano being softer than the GTV6.
Brakes are the same.

 

As similar as they are in terms of engineering design, I found that the cars drive very differently. Personally I think if you're used to a Milano, the GTV6 is kind of disappointing to drive. Which is too bad because the GTV6 is a lot less quirky looking than the Milano.

 

I owned two GTV6's and then the 89 Milano, and I ended up liking the Milano, thinking that actually it was more tossable than even the 86 GTV6, the better of the two I had. I did think that the 86 GTV6 engine was just slightly more responsive than that of the Milano, but still, we ended up liking the Milano a little more, it feeling just a little more agile. Don't know why, really. The GTV6 always seemed to have a heavy feel to me.

It's a personal thing for sure.

 

Personally I suspect a lot of it is the power steering. The ZF rack on the Milano has great feel, and probably a faster ratio than the GTV6, no? In any case the Milano feels a lot more chuckable.

The isostatic shift linkage is also a big improvement over the earlier long-oar-in-porridge version. Though the GTV6 did get the isostatic in '86.

 

Personally I suspect a lot of it is the power steering. The ZF rack on the Milano has great feel, and probably a faster ratio than the GTV6, no? In any case the Milano feels a lot more chuckable.

The GTV6 rack does have a slower ratio than the 75/Milano and that would be the only thing making it feel more chuckable.
Those stupid bumper bars on the 3 litre 75s are definitely against them.

 

I've had both, so offer a few observations:

The 75 is actually a derivation of the Giulietta chassis. The update of the Alfetta sedan is the 90. This is most evident in the wheel sizes and the wheelarch clearance. The 75 has smaller diameter wheels (like the Giulietta) and correspondingly smaller guard clearences. The GTV6 is Alfetta based and has the bigger guards, allowing taller tyres.

Regarding weight, the 75 is a very light car for its size and it is not uncommon for 3.0 V6 racers to be around 1100kg.

Drivingwise, the seating position in the 75 is more forgiving. It is easier to place on the orad/track with better visibility. The steering is quicker and I think the power assistance is good, although others will disagree on that one. The longer wheelbase makes the handling a bit less abrupt (when the gtv6 oversteers, it can get away from you more easily - less so withthe 75 - lots of skidpan 'experimentation' to back this theory)

Engines are much the same. The 3.0 with motronic has a bit more go.

Gearing is the same onthe 2.5 litre, with the 2.0TS and 3.0 getting better ratios, but with different final drives (3.0 is taller, much taller). Gearshift is a bit shorter with the Isostatic, but I actually don't mind the old style as the synchros don't like to be rushed and with the twinflywheels and propshaft hanging off the back of the engine, you don't need to anyhow. The clutches are better in the 75 - I put a 3.0 clutch in my gtv6, soooo much better.

Rust protection is better in the 75 -helps a lot to have the plastic lined wheelarches.

The 75 is more aerodynamic and quieter at speed on the highway. Except for the 3.0 it has a bigger boot (but smaller tank). The 3.0 has the big tank in the boot like the gtv6.

Backseats that are usable v's a joke.

Window swtiches in the roof - deal with it.

Can't think of much else. Except that, as with all alfas, the coupes are always worth more, but eventually, the sedans do attract a following and get their deserved appreciation.

 

The 75 is actually a derivation of the Giulietta chassis. The update of the Alfetta sedan is the 90. This is most evident in the wheel sizes and the wheelarch clearance. The 75 has smaller diameter wheels (like the Giulietta) and correspondingly smaller guard clearences. The GTV6 is Alfetta based and has the bigger guards, allowing taller tyres.

Interesting. I can tell you that the interior on the Milano and the Alfetta Sedan is pretty much interchangeable, I've always assumed the Milano carried on the Alfetta Sedan floor plan.

In the states, the GTV6 and the Milano both came with 15" wheels, although the base Milano did come with 14" wheels.

As a point of reference, in bone stock form I turned pretty much identical lap times in my '82 GTV6 (with the 3.40 rear end) and my '87 Verde (3.55 rear end). I found that the 3.0 of the GTV6 gave it an edge in the straights, but the lower center of gravity and lighter weight of the GTV6 gave it an edge in the corners. At the end of the day, they were pretty much equal, with me behind the wheel.

Now I've got a 3.0 GTV6. And a few Milanos, of course..

bs

bs

 

I had a Milano Verde as a daily driver for about 4 years and I drove it about 60k miles. My son also drove a Verde in that same time frame. It was a lot of fun to drive, it was practical, the AC was pretty good for an Alfa and it did not leak or rust. However, the electrical system is complex (and I am an electrical engineer) and I was always working on it. I now have a GTV6. It is not a daily driver and it is slowly turning into a track day car. It is less complex that the Milano and it is easier to work on. It has much better looks With a 3.0 motor it is faster. I prefer the simple gear shift to the isostatic. The isostatic may be better when it is new but there are so many joints to wear and the ones that I have driven have been sloppy. My GTV6 has upgraded front suspension and it is a little unfair to compare it with the standard Verde, but it is the best handling car that I have owned.

 

The GTV6 is a sporty 2 door GT while the 75 is a sporty 4 door family car. The mechanicals are roughly the same as both cars are in the transaxle family, however the GTV6 belongs to the 116 series and the 75 to the 162 series. Also the 75 was a substitute to the Giulietta and Alfa 90 which went out of production when the 75 arrived.

The 75 has its strength as a sporty family car, while the GTV6 is more sporty 2 door GT, with 11cm shorter wheelbase, 7cm shorter and 7cm lower body. Weight is 70 kgs less for the GTV.

Some 75 have the 3L engine which is an advantage over the 2,5L in the GTV6 2,5. So obviously its popular to upgrade the GTV6 with this engine. The slightly tuned 3L with 200Hp makes the GTV a very entertaining car to drive!

Here some links with info on the 75 and GTV6

Alfa Romeo 75 / Milano

Alfa Romeo Alfetta/GTV/GTV6

GK.

 

Guess I got the best of both worlds. Just got my GTV-6 on the road with a Milano Verde drive train. Also have a 85 GTV-6 with a 2.5 ( S Cams and Euro Down Pipes) with an 82 rear end with the 85 gears, figure out those ratios, but very tall the ultimate cruser. Surprized this hasn't been a common upgrade.

Had both cars as well. If your built like an Gorilla like me a GTV-6 is the way to go.
I felt a little cramped in the Milano. I also raise the seat in the GTV-6, even being 6'4" I feel I’m sitting too low. As far as the steering I prefer no power steering, I like to feel the road and power steering seem to damper that. Just a driving preference. As far as handling I feel the GTV-6 and more especially the Alfetta handle better than the Milano.
I've driven these cars in Vermont winters for years and I feel safer in the 116's in a snow or ice storm than a Milano.

The RUST well the Milano is the winner there and for a family as well. The rear shoulder belts are a plus, which a GTV-6 does not have. I installed them in my GTV-6 that I just put on the road. A GTV-6 is a 3 passenger car as far as I.m concerned. 4" would of made the car a little more practical.

The Heating and Cooling system is much better in a Milano. In a GTV-6, it is something Alfa Romeo Engineers forgot to put in the car at the end of the assembly line, Slapped their forheads and just screwed one in. It CHEAP and a piece of JUNK. My new GTV-6 has a Vintage Air Mini Gen Heating and Cooling System. It's ELECTRONIC OMG !!

As far as upkeep both cars are equal. Electrical sytem is better in a Milano. Mechanicals are the same, but its a little harder to do some work in a Milano than a GTV-6, there seems to be more room in a GTV-6 to fix and repair common things they both share.

 

Thanks for all of the info. Very interesting.

 

my gold has the Non-isostatic shift linkage.
it is a very early car even has the gtv bump stops
Every one that gets in to the car say it has the best feeling shifter and it is not long like the gtv6 (might be even shorter then the iso )and it dose not move all over the place like the isostatic shift linkage does.
I would convert the the verde in a heatbest of I had the parts.
and it is so much easer to work on with just the one rod going back to the gear box.
As with all things alfa you never know what you have untill you need to take it apart.
I also have the gtv type drive shaft with the thick center and no pinch up front. on that car.

 

Well it seems like the weight distribution is a non issue if all it takes is moving the battery to the trunk. Springs are easier to change so the "softer" issue isn't big. Also motors can be changed as can gearing and shift linkage. Looks is all personal, (I kinda' like the looks of the Mialno's...GTVs also of course).
It seems like the big issues are
GTV = easier to work on, no power steering, maybe a bit lighter.
Milano = faster steering rack, back seat if you need it. better rust protection.
Crap does this mean I need one of each? Lol.

 

Big Concern / drawback

Hasn`t anyone the courage to mention the most obvious difference?

The Milano/75 is just atrociously UGLY! :closedeyes:

They look like a Volvo that has been crashed in the rear!

 

Hasn`t anyone the courage to mention the most obvious difference?

The Milano/75 is just atrociously UGLY! :closedeyes:

They look like a Volvo that has been crashed in the rear!

Even as a Milano driver I cant argue with you about the difference in looks, but a Volvo...No

It seems to be getting better with age or its just different enough in these days of Bloato Barges that its grown on me.

 

Huhhh?

but a Volvo...No

Yes! the Milano is it`s ugly sister!

 

But at least admit you dated her.....

Yes! the Milano is it`s ugly sister!

Seems I purchased a certain Verde from a certain someone...

lol

 

Richard, I realize this is the Internet, but never call a man's car ugly. Besides, it drives better than the GTV6, so personality goes a long way

Man, you guys who dislike the isostatic shifter need to, you know, drive one in good shape. My Milano with 100K on it *still* shifted better than the old style shifter, and a little work to repair the wear made it freakin' great. The *synchros* still suck, but that's another story...

If your isostatic shifter is moving around, the shifter ain't the problem...time to start checking transmission mounts!

 

Besides, it drives better than the GTV6, so personality goes a long way

I have to disagree there, in what sense? With five persons? If you like to drive a sedan more than a sports car? If you like to drive a heavier, longer and taller car car more than a lower and more sporty car?

For me personally the 75 is no challenge to the GTV6 in looks, sportiness and handling. However I accept that individuals prefer luxury over handling.

GK.

 

You misunderstand me, Gabor. I'm not talking about luxury: the Milano has always felt like more of a driver's car than the GTV6 to me. Just easier to throw around. Which always seemed odd because they're basically the same car, but there you go.

Again, I suspect the Milano's faster steering rack has a lot to do with this.

 

"the Milano has always felt like more of a driver's car than the GTV6 to me. Just easier to throw around"

My experience as well, having owned and driven both for many miles, and having owned, worked on, and driven Alfas for decades, so I know what they are like. Yes, one can certainly argue about the differences in styling, but for me, the apparent handling sportiness of the Milano just pleased me more than the heavy feeling GTV6. Simple as that.

"prefer luxury"

The Milano? Surely you jest? And, no, we don't drive around with any more people in the Milano than in the GTV6.

 

Ah yes we are probably not so dependent on servo assisted steering here then!

GK.

 

Wouldn't it help you dodge the moose?

Again, I don't just mean the power assist. The rack is faster: fewer turns lock to lock. Of course, the reason they could get away with this is because of the assist...otherwise all Milano drivers would have massive arms.

In practice, the ZF rack is really good with nice feedback. Unlike in many cars, I don't feel like I lose any driving feel from the assist.

 

I am sorry but I genuinely regard the GTV6 a better car for sporty purposes and also chose it for racing!

I could just as well have taken a 75 as some do, but it was never even considered. For me the 75 is a nice family car and good donor of engine and the 2L TS box, but even as it is thats only the first stage and at least the engine will be replaced with a 156GTA engine.

GK.

 

As far as I'm concerned the GTV-6 is the last "TRUE" Sports Car. Some may argue!
You really need to stay on top of this car when driving it. No power at all in the drivetrain. Even the clutch is a bear. Shoot I can do 10 Pull-ups. I certainly understand of the previous posts regarding it ride and roughness. Yes it a BEAST!

Today what is called SPORT cars is a joke. Sure I can hit a switch on a steering wheel to shift, and sure if I go into a corner too hard the traction control system will take over, as well as the braking system making up for my poor judgment. They're driving a car with 30+ microprocessors controlling every part of the cars system. Where's the Sport in that?

I hate that JUNK! That's why I drive old cars. I want to control my car, and not depend on a computer to make up for Stupid driving. It's a Sport, like golf tennis or baseball
What if a golf club made up for a bad swing, a tennis racket and a baseball bat did the same as well? How would that affect the "SPORT"?

I take my latest GTV-6 out on our P.O.S. roads in Vermont and drive her for all she's worth, hoping I don't scrape the bottom of my car, putting it in a 4" hole, the vermin and going a fast as I can. It's a BLAST!! Talk about eye hand coordination. I can keep up with any Alfa with a 116. They're a unique car and I'm glad I have 5 in my collection.

The GTV-6 is the last true sports car!

 

It might be a bit weird,but to me the shape & form of a properly executed 75 in the right color beats any GTV6! The only parts that I love about the coupe are the front fascia & the bonnet bump; that's about it.

 

Like artwork it's a matter of opinion



When I was a youngster I had a job delivering pizza. The family owned business provided me with a vehicle to do deliveries. I often make the comparison of that Datsun B-210 to GTV6's. The Datsun actually drove as good or better than my GTV6. But I thought at the time it was a lame car. After saving up enough to buy my own car I ended up in a 68 Mercury Cougar for the remainder of my pizza delivery vocation. Stock 302 auto with the flip up lights. Man this was living Free pizza, tips in the pocket, driving all around. This was in an era when gear heads lined up and "cruised" the El Camino on Friday and Saturday nights. Cops would patrol and write tickets for exhibition infractions, etc. That the delivery only pizza business was located in the center of the strip. Made it a fun place for a sixteen year old to develop his driving skills, find keg parties, (popular back then), avoid cops, and seek out females. Ah youth. where have those days gone?

 

I own both and enjoy both, but if I had to keep only one it would be the GTV6. The power steering in the Milano is quicker and easier, but to me the GTV6 is more entertaining and has more soul, not to say the Milano is not entertaining or has no soul, it just does not have as much as the GTV6. I don't plan on getting rid of either, and by the responses here it is clear that both are great cars that even though they are very similar in mechanics, they are different enough that many people own one of each. Comes down to what "you" like, but you won't go wrong with either choice.

 

Very much what I mean too!

However this discussion could go on and on without anybody coming close to change their opinion, so I think most of it is said by now!

Here though a link(which I have posted before also) showing two nice cars racing, a GTV6 3L 12V 240Hp and a 75 3,2 24V 330Hp. Even though the 75 is a newer car, its well prepared and has almost 100 hp more than the GTV6 it has only advantage on the straights where its extra power comes in play. In the corners the GTV is pulling up close, so it handles better, and at last it manages to pass. This GTV6 advantage is the same I see on track also, so I can imagine that under the condition the GTV had the 3,2L engine also, there would be little contest! Just my humble opinion!

GK.

 

Here though a link(which I have posted before also) showing two nice cars racing, a GTV6 3L 12V 240Hp and a 75 3,2 24V 330Hp. Even though the 75 is a newer car, its well prepared and has almost 100 hp more than the GTV6 it has only advantage on the straights where its extra power comes in play. In the corners the GTV is pulling up close, so it handles better, and at last it manages to pass. This GTV6 advantage is the same I see on track also, so I can imagine that under the condition the GTV had the 3,2L engine also, there would be little contest! Just my humble opinion!

GK.

So given that the (dedicated track car. IE: Highly modified) 75 repeatedly misses apex's and runs wide on corner exits comes down to the fact that it isn't as good as the technically, amazingly similar in standard form, but also a dedicated track car, GTV6.....................
Not that the 75 is probably on older or poorer performing tyres or a weight penalty for his extra HP. Not that the 75's driver might not be anywhere near as good as the GTV6's driver. Nothing to do with car set up, it all comes down to the different shape of the body and a slightly shorter wheel base............ :blink:

 

One more thing. Milano prices are currently rock bottom whereas good GTV6's are starting to appreciate. So you will get more car for your money if you get a Milano. But I am going to keep my GTV6!

 

That does apply here too!
but the thing is,most of the GTVs which come up for sale are in very good & sometimes showroom condition so they command high prices but I rarely see a 75 in pristine condition,at least around here most of them have been thrashed and are not cared for; although they can be considered to be in the same league as E30 BMWs unfortunately they aren't cherished & loved as much.

 

I think one has to start comparing what is comparable. that is a GTV6 and a milano Verde. Comparable price when new and closest in price today.

At the very least they are very different cars to drive, even if the mecanical makeup is close.

The Verde has a few things going for it. The isostatic gear linkage, power steering and what nobody has mentionned, a LSD. It also has a nicer and more durable interior, better rustproofing and electric windows that work. It also has more power.

As a road car and in unmodified condition,it is in my opinion just a better car and although I have often pondered whether to buy a GTV, I just can't imagine myself buying one over a 75/milano.

I can understand why one likes the GTV more, it's more raw, heavier to drive makes more noise. But it isn't a more precise or a better car. Although both are very much true Alfas, they're just very different cars, even if they have the same chassis.