MGB has roll up windows, can be bought reasonably, drives well with parts availability galore. I have three chrome bumpered cars in various states of repair. Two are drivable now. One is a very original 1967 with OD. One is a 1968 set up for autocross with oselli head, cam, and tube shocks; very quick and fun to drive. The 1967 with OD is original with lever shocks but is my pick for Fall Road Trips in Western PA; OD makes it a different car for trips.
The MGA is more exilirating, but on a HWY or hot day turns into an adventure or an ordeal depending on your attitude.
Mechanically they are identical. ( for all practical purposes) The MGA is much prettier and is more rare if that matters. MGA has a significant price bump all else being equal between the two in terms of condition. An MGA with a K series could be the answer to a lot of things.
EDIT The MGA is different enough that people wont look at it and think "Should have just bought a Miata".
I have owned them all - MGA roadster, and coupe, and MGB and MGC. The MGA has a separate chassis which can be repaired easily once you lift the body off vs. the MGB unibody where a badly rusted one can break apart when you try and jack up one corner.
The suspensions on the MGA and MGB are the same except in details like spring rates, so no advantage either way. Aesthetically, while the MGB has a body style unlikely to offend anyone, the MGA seems much better to me, and to many other hobbyists.
I have always opted for the MGA, but always with an uprated MGB engine which is dead easy to do.
7/23/24 11:12 a.m.
I've had my eye on the MGAs for a while. Never driven one (nor an MGB). I just think they look better.
Question... What are a couple reasons I should buy an MGB instead of an MGA? (Other than price)
7/23/24 11:48 a.m.
MGB has roll up windows, can be bought reasonably, drives well with parts availability galore. I have three chrome bumpered cars in various states of repair. Two are drivable now. One is a very original 1967 with OD. One is a 1968 set up for autocross with oselli head, cam, and tube shocks; very quick and fun to drive. The 1967 with OD is original with lever shocks but is my pick for Fall Road Trips in Western PA; OD makes it a different car for trips.
7/23/24 11:55 a.m.
In reply to SV reX :
If you are going to drive it much on all roads.
The MGA is more exilirating, but on a HWY or hot day turns into an adventure or an ordeal depending on your attitude.
Mechanically they are identical. ( for all practical purposes) The MGA is much prettier and is more rare if that matters. MGA has a significant price bump all else being equal between the two in terms of condition. An MGA with a K series could be the answer to a lot of things.
EDIT The MGA is different enough that people wont look at it and think "Should have just bought a Miata".
7/23/24 12:57 p.m.
And some further reading:
7/24/24 12:28 p.m.
I have owned them all - MGA roadster, and coupe, and MGB and MGC. The MGA has a separate chassis which can be repaired easily once you lift the body off vs. the MGB unibody where a badly rusted one can break apart when you try and jack up one corner.
The suspensions on the MGA and MGB are the same except in details like spring rates, so no advantage either way. Aesthetically, while the MGB has a body style unlikely to offend anyone, the MGA seems much better to me, and to many other hobbyists.
I have always opted for the MGA, but always with an uprated MGB engine which is dead easy to do.
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