🇩🇪 Deutsch
Alfa Romeo · Sports Car · 1995–2006

Alfa Romeo GTV 916

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 6 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

240–241 PS

3.2L V6 JTS Benzin

GTV 3.2 Facelift — Under 500 Units, the Rarest Busso

Legendary!

Engine Overview

The Alfa Romeo GTV 916 is available with 6 engine variants — from 140 to 241 hp.

1.8 TS · Benziner· 144 PS
1995 2004
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.0 JTS · Benziner· 166 PS
2003 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.0 TS · Benziner· 150–155 PS
1995 2006
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2.0 V6 Turbo · Benziner· 201 PS
1995 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
3.0 V6 · Benziner· 218–220 PS
1995 2006
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
3.2 V6 · Benziner· 241 PS
2003 2006
Be Careful 7 weaknesses

The Alfa Romeo 1.8 TS (Benziner, 144 PS) has the AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 JTS (Benziner, 166 PS) has the 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 TS (Benziner, 150–155 PS) has the AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 2.0 V6 Turbo (Benziner, 201 PS) has the AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 3.0 V6 (Benziner, 218–220 PS) has the AR16102 (3.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Alfa Romeo 3.2 V6 (Benziner, 241 PS) has the 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Structural rust on underbody and wheel arches

Weld seams on longitudinal members, engine bay crossmember and strut tops corrode. Underbody steel structures have no adequate protection — especially weld points on the tunnel area and rear wheel arches are affected. Extensive restoration required when heavily rusted.

Symptoms: Visible rust on underbody weld seams, bubbling on wheel arches, corroded brake line connections
from 120,000 km
High
!Rust at weld seams and wheel arches

Rust forms preferentially at underbody weld seams, inner wheel arches and fuel tank guard. Underbody protection lifts off and releases moisture. Rear wheel arch inner panels and tunnel seams are particularly affected.

Symptoms: Rust bubbles visible on the inside of wheel arches, flaking underbody protection, rust spots under the vehicle on ramp inspection
from 100,000 km
High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Honda S2000 AP2

Sportwagen (2004–2009)

Same Segment

Porsche 911 997

Sportwagen (2004–2012)

Same Segment

Subaru STI GD

Sportwagen (2004–2007)

Same Segment

Mazda RX-8 SE3P

Sportwagen (2003–2012)

Same Segment

Nissan 350Z Z33

Sportwagen (2002–2009)

Same Segment

Hyundai Coupe GK

Sportwagen (2001–2009)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 50 weaknesses have been documented for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916 (1995–2006) — 43 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, HVAC, Gearbox, Electronics.

GTV (AR32310, 1995–2006) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 150–155 PS.

GTV (AR32201, 1995–2004) — Be Careful: Short timing belt intervals, Head gasket leaking (cylinder 4), Con-rod bearing damage from oil starvation. Power: 144 PS.

GTV (AR16202, 1995–2006) — Be Careful: Strict timing belt interval required, Turbocharger bearing wear, Low oil pressure at hot idle. Power: 201 PS.

GTV (AR16102, 1995–2006) — Be Careful: Strict timing belt interval required, Low oil pressure at hot idle, Heater matrix leaking. Power: 218–220 PS.

GTV (937A1.000, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing belt also drives the high-pressure pump, High-pressure fuel pump failed (code P1191), Carbon deposits on intake valves. Power: 166 PS.

GTV (936A0000, 2003–2006) — Be Careful: Timing chain rattles when cold, Cylinder head crack between valves (high-output variant), Carbon deposits (JTS direct injection). Power: 241 PS.

What to watch out for with the Alfa Romeo GTV? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Alfa Romeo GTV 916 have? +
The Alfa Romeo GTV 916 has 43 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Alfa Romeo GTV 916? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark), AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark), 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS), AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo), AR16102 (3.0L V6), 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS).
Which Alfa Romeo GTV 916 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Alfa Romeo GTV 916 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The 3.2-litre version of the 916 GTV arrived only with the facelift from 2003 and was built in fewer than 500 units. The engine is identical to the GT, the chassis older and more characterful: shorter wheelbase, more direct turn-in, but noticeably more body movement than the stiffer GT. The gearbox is considered undersized for the torque — second gear grinds at high mileage. Clutch torsion springs wear from 30,000 km. Even so: the GTV 3.2 is the original among Busso coupes, rare enough for collector status, dynamic enough for any Sunday morning.
Is the Alfa Romeo GTV 916 worth buying used? +
The Alfa Romeo GTV 916 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Alfa Romeo GTV 916? +
The Alfa Romeo GTV 916 is available with engine variants from 140 to 241 hp. Petrol: AR32310 (2.0L Twin Spark), AR32201 (1.8L Twin Spark), 937A1.000 (2.0L JTS), AR16202 (2.0L V6 Turbo), AR16102 (3.0L V6), 936A0000 (3.2L V6 JTS).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee