Miata Mailing List: June 1995, Message #176
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   From: "Drew Derbyshire" 
Subject: Re: Miata/MGB comparisons?
   Date: Sat, 3 Jun 1995 08:18:58 -0400

On Fri, 02 Jun 1995 23:56:04 -0400, "Mike Sherer"  wrote:
> For those of us who dream of owning a Miata, but fall far short of the
> necessary funds, could someone tell me if an MGB (either the rubber bumper
> version or an earlier model) could come anywhere near the joy of owning a
> real Miata.

Some might ask, does a Miata come close to driving an classic British
sports car?  However, my question is, is this your primary car?  If so,
you want a reliable toy.

> I realize that the two cars are far from identical. I am hoping that
> someone has had the pleasure of driving both and can provide me with some
> down to earth thoughts to fuel my ongoing blue sky dreams.

It's been (too) many years, but in 1976 I took my road test in a '62 or
'63 MG Midget.  It may have been both years, as I have previously noted
we needed parts for our '60 bug eyed Sprite and we had a total of three
cars worth of parts.  :-)

Previous to that, around '71 my father also owned a late sixty's MGB,
British Racing Green.  I also road tested an 70's MGB in '82 or so.  I
passed on it because 5'4" is too short to reach the peddles in the
stupid thing.

Thus, I can't talk about prices, but I can talk about the cars,
especially the Midget/Sprite.  They actually have more space than the
Miata for cargo (Dad fitted six kids into the MGB once).  The Sprite/
Midget is smaller/lighter (I seem to recall an engine under one liter),
and very fun in the summer.  The top is easier to handle on the Miata
than the old British cars, those things required the part of you that
played with Erector sets.

You also needed to be ready to tinker.  I'm not and my MX-5 is my
primary car, so I refuse to think about owning an older classic.  (Why
don't the British make computers?  Because they haven't figured out how
to make them leak oil!)  I've got a warranty, and while the Miata dealer
may soak me if something funky happens, but the car itself is rated
reliable by Consumer Reports, and you never got a three year warranty on
an MG.

The older cars also more uncomfortable in the winter, although that
memory may be colored by 15 years of new sedans with good heaters.  I
also, I have not driven the MX-5 in the winter yet.

You may want to look at a lease, or a used Miata.  Either option may be
cheaper than you think.  (If you're working, I see you're posting from
EDU domain -- I WALKED at college.)  I got a 30 month lease, meaning if
I get three summers but only two winters.  Neat.

Drive both (lie like hell to the local dealer about how serious you are
if you have to) and then decide.

-ahd-
-- 
Internet:       ahd@kew.com             Voice:          617-641-3739

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