Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[shawnxuu]

Hi. This would be my first post on this forum. I've always adored classic cars though I've never owned one. I've narrowed my choices down to 2 cars. Either a MG MGB Roadster or aTriuMGmph Spitfire. To be more specific, a 1968 MG MGB Roadster or a 1966 Triumph Spitfire MK2. Both have been fully restored. Both cost the same. Here are some pictures.

http://autobahnsing.wordpress.com/category/classic-2/mg/

http://autobahnsing.wordpress.com/category/classic-2/triumph/

I hope that you guys can perhaps list down some pros and cons? Tell me which car you would have if given the choice. Thanks!

[pryantcc]

I think you should suit yourself. Neither one stands out far ahead of the other in my opinion.

Both these cars were built in 60s Britain and both have a decent following so parts & help are readily available).

I don't particularly like either model, but if it were me, and I had to take one or the other, it would be totally decided by which restoration job gave me the most confidence. That far outweighs any pros or cons for one car vs the other in terms of driving experience, economy, reliability, etc...

[Calum]

I am quite a fan of both motors, but I will try and compare them as best I can! It is an age-old debate, and both cars are very nice cars and full of character in their own right.

To drive, the MGB is probably the nicer of the two in my opinion. I cannot comment for sure, as I have never driven a Spitfire that early before (only later cars, and obviously a lot in my own GT6) The ride quality on the MGB is superior, with less knocks, rattles and squeaks often associated with a Spitfire - the Spitfire sits on a separate chassis which is the mean reason for this. You will hear stories of the Spitfire suspension causing the wheels to tuck under at the back and cause horrific oversteer, but I think this is overhyped. You really have to be pushing on for this to happen, and lift off violently mid-corner, and even then all the pictures I have seen of it happening are on race and test tracks and not on roads.
The MGB is a very forgiving and positive car to drive. You can throw it into a bend, and even though accompanied by quite a bit of body roll (especially on cars without an ARB) the cornering is very progressive and even in the wet, the car will gradually step out the rear end and it entirely controllable, whereas Spitfires tend to be a bit less controllable - it starts to slip, and before you know it, you can be facing the other away. I'm exaggerating a bit here, but worth noting. Both handle well, but I'm trying to point out the differences. Under normal driving conditions in normal weather, both are very comparable. You really have to be pushing the limits of each car for the problems to make themselves apparent.

The MGB has a lot of low end torque from that B series lump, which makes it a lovely cruiser on the faster roads, especially with the overdrive. It can be thrown around country lanes and mountain passes, though probably not as well as the slightly more revvy 1300 unit in the Triumph.

One main factor to consider is space. If you plan on using the car for long journeys and holidays, try and imagine where all your suitcases etc can go! Obviously boot racks can be bought for both motors. The cabin in the MGB is much larger, and it is worth noting that tall drivers might struggle in the Spitfire. I am only around 5' 10" and don't have particularly long legs, yet I drive my GT6 with the seat in its rearmost position - any further fowards and I find it very incomfortable especially for my left leg.

Spares availability is great for both cars, maybe more so for the MGB. Both cars are easy to work on, though the Spitfire more so around the engine as everything is so easy to get at. You can even sit on the wheel when setting the carbs up! Same on the inside - although getting up behind the dash requires you being a contortionist, the transmission tunnel on the Spitfire bolts out and gives great access to the gearbox, clutch hydraulics etc. Looking at the cars in the links, serious work doesn't look like it will be all that frequent, but it will unfortunately be necessary at some point!



Calum

[lowdrag]

Having driven both, it is no contest, since on a fair basis you would be comparing a Spitfire with a Midget, and an MGB with a TR4. They just aren't in the same ball park. Having just helped out a friend I would suggest that you check the distributor on the Spitfire most carefully, because I am of the firm belief that we managed to source the last one in Europe. It took us ages to find one. Available off the shelf for the 1500 engine, pure unobtanium for the 1147cc.

As regards the driving, again there is no real comparison since the Spitfire gives away 650cc and around 20mph in top speed, making one useful on a run and the other fine for shortish journeys but incapable of keeping up with traffic on the dual carriageways or motorways.

Perhaps it's me, but details of the cars don't seem available, but the MGB, especially if it has overdrive, would without doubt be my choice. More space, more power, more luggage room - I could go on.

[mikeC]

[3xpendable]

I think it boils down to personal preferance at the end of the day. PC magazing did an MGb Vs GT6 comparison a while ago and decided the GT6 was better for a fun, rugged sports car but the MGB was easier to live with as a daily driver so to speak.

I'll confess i'm an MGB man, but not to say the spitfire doesnt have its qualities. I think the main difference people use between them is one has a monocoque chassis, the other a separate chassis.

At the end of the day you have to drive both and decide for yourself
_________________
2013 Dodge Durango R/T Hemi
1965 Ford Anglia 106e Estate (LHD)
1964 Ford Anglia 105E 1500 GT (Dad)
1980 Porsche 911 SC Targa (Uncle)
1971 MGB GT (V8 project) -SOLD 2016
2005 MINI Cooper S JCW - SOLD 2016

[Rick]

As others have said, there's no substitute for driving both.

I've had early Spitfires and I like them, I prefer the styling to the MGB and (in the UK at least) the Mk1/2/3 Spitfires are quite rare, unlike the MGB.

The performance of an 1147cc Triumph will be quite different to the 1800cc MG, although top speed may not vary much. The MG will probably feel more substantial, or solid, as Spitfires can rattle a bit on rough roads.

The Spitfire's engine and front suspension is very easy to work on, thanks to the large one-piece front end. You can sit on the front tyre and do many of the servicing jobs. Spares for both cars are usually quite easy to find - in the UK at least!

Have you made a decision yet?

Rick
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[fordpop]

I'm going to be very controversial now - I don't really consider either to be particularly good 'sports' cars. Not that I'm suggesting that's it's a true classic (yet) but if you want to know what a real sports car feels like - just have a drive in an MX5 before deciding on either of these... (steps back smartly with head down)

Alan

[Carcruiser]

[Salopian]

[Rick]

[Carcruiser]

I suppose its just down to what you want the car to do in terms of use. I had an MX5 in for some weldign before Christmas and got to have a go in it, and yes it was fun to drive, easy to use and seemed reliable. If I had to depend on a car for a daily commute it would be very tempting, but the looks don't really do it for me, its just too modern and plentiful. I wouldn't walk over to look at one in the supermarket carpark if you know what I mean. Yes they look nice enough and I can understand the enthusiasm and I'm not sayign cars of this age aren't worthy (I've had various 'modern classics' over the years) but i'd sooner look at one of the '60s, or 70s equivalents.
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cheers
Iain McKenzie
www.fairmilerestorations.co.uk

[Rick]

[Richard H]

I saw a MK1 MX5 parked up yesterday, the entire sill had been patched up and covered in underseal. You could see the welds a mile off, it looked rubbish, and strange on a car that still looks very modern.
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Richard Hughes

[Rick]