The 1992 Alfa Romeo 75 Is More Enjoyable Than It Should Be | Carscoops

      The Alfa Romeo 75 Twin Spark is a rear-wheel drive sedan that demonstrates the lasting appeal of analog fun, even as a vehicle for everyday use.

      by Thanos Pappas

      Before crossovers dominated the market and "sporty" became synonymous with fake exhausts and paddle shifters, Alfa Romeo crafted something distinctly different. The Alfa 75, referred to as the Milano in North America, holds a unique position in the brand's history as the last new model introduced before the Fiat Group acquired Alfa Romeo in 1986.

      A compact sedan featuring rear-wheel drive and an almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution? That’s hard to overlook. So when my friend Stelios handed me the keys to his beloved 75, declining was definitely not an option.

      I’ve known Stelios for quite a while, and his attachment to the Alfa Romeo 75 has always intrigued me. The 1992 model shown here is his fourth 75, a suitable companion to his meticulously kept 1976 Alfetta. Indeed, Stelios has a passion for Alfas. Unlike the mechanically similar coupe, which mostly stays parked in the garage, this four-door sedan is about to serve as his daily driver.

      When Stelios mentioned he was selling his Mazda MX-5 NC to switch to the Alfa, my curiosity grew, eager to discover what made the Italian sedan so remarkable. Coincidentally, both cars feature rear-wheel drive and possess a similar weight-to-power ratio, two key elements for driving enjoyment. But before diving into the driving experience, let’s quickly examine the specifications.

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      An Italian Anomaly

      Introduced in 1985 as the successor to the Giulietta sedan, the 75 remained in production until 1992, just prior to the brand's shift to the front-wheel-drive 155. After that, Alfa didn't return to rear-wheel drive until 2015 with the launch of the Giulia, reconnecting with its historical roots.

      Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

      Despite its aim at competitors like the BMW 3-Series, first the E30 and then the E36, the 75 took a unique visual direction. It’s a vehicle characterized by a design that can appear both beautiful and awkward, depending on the observer and the viewing angle. This facelifted 1992 model is one of the cleanest iterations, featuring body-colored bumpers, elongated fenders, and the iconic 15-inch “phone-dial” wheels.

      The sagging headlights reflect the design of the full-width taillights and are positioned on either side of the compact scudetto grille. A black trim strip runs along the length of the car, effectively concealing the reused door and window frames from the Giulietta. From certain perspectives, it looks muscular and grounded; from others, a bit disoriented. Nevertheless, it undeniably has presence.

      Inside: A Time Capsule of Unconventional Design

      Upon entering the cabin, it's immediately clear that this car predates Fiat’s influence. The ergonomics are… well, unique. The window switches are located on the overhead panel, which often surprises passengers, while the handbrake, curving around the center armrest, resembles something from a Cold War fighter jet.

      The instrument panel, featuring blocky, squared-off dials, is quintessentially 1980s and is accompanied by a diagnostics screen on the center console that was considered cutting-edge technology four decades ago. The aftermarket seats, dressed in vibrant fabric, were produced by a now-defunct Greek company named Monaco, but they replicate the original, well-supported Recaros quite faithfully.

      Photos Thanos Pappas for Carscoops

      While it may not match the build quality of a contemporary BMW, let alone a Mercedes like the 190E, the 75 still feels quite robust. Quirky ergonomics aside, the driving position is well designed, and the rear bench provides ample space for most passengers. To provide context, the Italian sedan measures 4,331 mm (170.5 inches) in length, making it shorter than many of the compact SUVs prevalent on European roads today.

      Driving Dynamics: A Sports Car Hidden in Plain Sight

      The 75 is built on an enhanced version of the Alfetta’s platform. The claimed 50:50 weight distribution is achieved by integrating the five-speed manual transmission and clutch within the rear differential, a transaxle arrangement that’s anything but conventional for a typical sedan.

      To improve its handling, Alfa engineers utilized inboard rear brakes and a de Dion rear axle. A variant of the same platform, featuring a shorter rear overhang and additional reinforcement, supported the much pricier Alfa Romeo SZ by Zagato, giving owners of the 75 a valid reason to take pride.

      This particular vehicle is equipped with the relatively dependable 2.0-liter Twin Spark four-cylinder, which generates a respectable 146 hp (109 kW / 148 PS)