Leather vs. Alcantara

[CJ]

When I replaced the cloth with leather in mine, I noticed straight away that the seats were a lot more comfortable to sit in; over time, the foam starts to break down and is very forgiving after 10 years or so, the leather pulls it all toghether for a more supportive driving position.

I would have thought that leather more durable and hard wearing than alcantara, if longevity is what you're after, you can't go too far wrong with leather.

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

Not hearing many pro alcantara arguments though?

Kev.

Thats cause its still a fairly rare material - not many guys even know what it is - but once you've sat your bum down on a well bolstered Alcantara seat - you will not want to go back.

I should have my paws on a Racing Puma (again) shortly for a few months and one of the best bits about that car is the Sparco Alcantara seats as per the previous photo on this post - leather would not do it justice. Really suits a track or rally spec car - The FTO looks excellent with leather seats - CJs recent leather retrim really sets off his car and Daves cream leather suits his burgundy red FTO - but I would have a personal preference for Alcantara Sparcos to the point where I'd rather just fit the two front seats and ignore the back and door trims than do a full leather retrim. Its a fairly hard wearing material - not as hard wearing as leather but it should last the lifetime of the car if looked after.

[kevinod]

Thats cause its still a fairly rare material - not many guys even know what it is - but once you've sat your bum down on a well bolstered Alcantara seat - you will not want to go back.

I look forward to my first alcantara 'test spin' then!

Kev.

[Mustang]

Kevinod wrote

I look forward to my first alcantara 'test spin' then!

Kev you can sit in the passanger seat I want to take the puma for a spin, feck the seats!

[soc]

I'm sure there are downsides to both materials but I'd say they are suited to different circumstances.

Alcantara is a nice material and probably best suited for hard driving because there is less slippage on the material - i.e. the alcantara holds the driver better than leather......

But, IMHO, leather has a much better quality look and feel and really adds some luxury/oppulance to a car. I love my leather recaros and just don't think they'd be the same in alcantara.

[marc garrett]

excuse my ignorance...but what are "alcantara"
type of material or seat.never heard of it..

[CJ]

excuse my ignorance...but what are "alcantara"
type of material or seat.never heard of it..

The web definition is:

A unique polyester ultramicrofibre, non-woven fabric combining aesthetic appeal the exceptional comfort, warmth, durability and easy maintenance.

CJ

[marc garrett]

take it its a material so..thanks for that...

posh response though

[CJ]

posh response though

Well thats another good point, alcantara might be considered a little bit in comparison to leather

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

I love my leather recaros and just don't think they'd be the same in alcantara.

Leather Recaros are a very good option for a Golf - Its that type of car - my GF's new 147 has a full red leather interior and it looks very well too. But for a Jap Spec Coupe - if you're looking for a race look - then its hard to beat Alcantara.

A lot of posters on this thread seem to have a strong preference for leather –and yeah – it’s a great material for an FTO seat – but unless you’ve actually sat in an Aftermarket Alcantara seat then its probably difficult to make an informed choice.

[CJ]

A lot of posters on this thread seem to have a strong preference for leather –and yeah – it’s a great material for an FTO seat – but unless you’ve actually sat in an Aftermarket Alcantara seat then its probably difficult to make an informed choice.

Right, so we're ignorant are we? I'm joking of course but you have a point - I've only ever sat in an alcantara seat once. If you're talking new aftermarket seats than alcantara is the better option, my personal preference would be leather if you're talking about re-covering old foam seats.

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

my personal preference would be leather if you're talking about re-covering old foam seats.

CJ

Mine too – if you’re going to refurb FTO seats then leather is the best option – but you could always just throw out the FTO seats and fit two nice new Alcantara Sparco’s – less hassle – and probably not much in it cost wise.

[AL]

i think we aint gonna resolve this one any time soon , lets just agree to disagree
ive drove bmws, a jags and a ford mondeo, all with leather interior and could not wait to get out of them, they smelt nice though

[Mustang]

AL wrote

i think we aint gonna resolve this one any time soon , lets just agree to disagree

Simply put, to my mind at least, leather is a more luxurious material, (or at least perceived that way) while alcantara is a more functional material -stop you sliding around with all those g forces you are generating in your performance motor
Here's an obscure analogy, gold (leather); platinum (alcantara).
Gold is universally regarded and recognised as a rare, precious metal and a sign of wealth. Platinum less well known, but more expensive and even more rare - the connoisseurs choice. Despite this given the choice most people would choose gold over platinum - as to the untrained eye it looks more like silver (i.e. less expensive!)

[CJ]

Here's an obscure analogy, gold (leather); platinum (alcantara)

Well put, I think you've hit the nail on the head there Mustang.

CJ

[soc]

AL wrote

i think we aint gonna resolve this one any time soon , lets just agree to disagree

Here's an obscure analogy, gold (leather); platinum (alcantara).
Gold is universally regarded and recognised as a rare, precious metal and a sign of wealth. Platinum less well known, but more expensive and even more rare - the connoisseurs choice

I choose plaitnum for my wedding band cause I'm a typical irish pale skin and freckles and the gold looked naff on my finger.... does that mean I'm a connoisseur

[Mustang]

Shane wrote

does that mean I'm a connoisseur

If it makes you feel better then Yes!