26 replies to this topic

[vx220]

Hi, I want another mini, but would like to hear from anyone that has experienced both. Preferably in recent years, as owners and daily drivers.

Not looking to do huge miles, and I'm going in to "classic" motoring eyes wide open, just interested in comparing the two different models...

...and maybe the Triumph GT6! But they're much rarer, and probably out of my price range

[madaboutcherry]

gt6 all day long. fantastic smooth engine.

[Northernpower]

GT6 for me as well. The parts supply for these isn't quite as good but still a practical proposition.

[carthorse]

I've run all three as daily drivers in the past. The MGB GT and GT6 are very different beasts to the mini and from my point of view neither are as useable as a Mini when run as a daily driver. The Mini beats them both in areas such as ease of getting in and out, visibility, interior space etc. 

 

The Mini is also imo easier to drive and much more forgiving than the rear wheel drive fastbacks in the rain / snow / ice etc. 

 

Out of the MG and the Triumph I much preferred the GT6, the 2 litre straight six is a gorgeous engine and sounds fantastic. The pick of the bunch is an early MK3 with the rotaflex rear suspension but you pay a premium for these. 

 

The MGB GT was not a bad car but unless you spend a fortune tuning the engine and suspension its not what I would call an exciting car (i'll now wait for lots of rabid MG fans to jump to it defence.........)

 

Out of the 3 I still own 2 minis, would love another GT6 as a weekend weapon, but I can't see me owning another MG. Just my opinion.

[ChopperHarris]

Had all three...GT6 of the bunch for me.
Not on your list but a MGB convertible was my favourite.
A Triumph Vitesse convertible would also be on the list

[Tommyboy12]

Ive got both at the moment. Have to say that for the short commute to work the Mini is much more enjoyable. But the long distance cruising of the MGB is much better than the Mini. It is also very practical in terms of boot space. Cart springs and a live rear axle make the MGB somewhat agricultural in terms of handling. Mini suspension was a new design when it was launched. The MGB was based on a much older car so it's bound to not handle as well.

[sledgehammer]

Have you considered the spitfire - or is it too small ? - lovely to work on the engine , MG's are back breakers

 

I never liked the MGB of any type - drove & worked on quite a few over the years , not a nice drive IMHO - felt heavy & gutless

 

+1 on gt6 - very nice 

 

mini is a totally different car , & way more practical IMO

[mister bridger]

_{Had a couple of MGBs, but only to make money on and I can't say I like them much. Unexciting to drive and I find them very claustrophobic}

[surfblue]

Never had an MG but would so love a B roadster (On chrome wires obviously!)

 

 

[Tamworthbay]

MGB GT is a superb daily unless you want rear seat passengers. Anyone who finds them 'tight' must like their pies as I am best part of 14 stone and 6' tall and never found them tight. I love a rwd cabin with a big tunnel. The rear hatch makes them supremely practical and I carried all sorts including mini engines and boxes in them. I never had any mechanical issues and parts are dirt cheap anyway with everything available.

Anyone who compares the gt6 as a daily has either sniffed something or won the lottery. The gt6 is truly gorgeous and I would love another bit they cost far more to buy, are more fussy to run and cost a hell of a lot more to maintain.

I ran my MGB GT as a daily for several years and loved every minute, again the idea that they are unexciting is just weird to me, lowish rear grip and just enough power to make it fun without being scary is a perfect mix and immense fun in the wet. Plus coppers think you have accidentally lost it rather than purposefully exited the roundabout sideways (don't ask how I know) and they will sit at 80mph all day as long as you get one with overdrive.

[CityEPete]

Yep I'm a big bugger and was more than comfortable in my mgb gt, great cars.

[Cooperman]

I have driven quite a few MGB's and there are good and bad ones.
Like the classic Mini they need to be set up correctly with good suspension and brakes.
It is very easy to get around 125 to
130 bhp and with up-rated springs and dampers they are good to drive.
With the overdrive gearbox they have a good cruising capability.
On a motorways a 'B' is easier than a Mini. On twisty and demanding roads Mini is more fun.

Edited by Cooperman, 14 May 2016 - 06:52 PM.

[mab01uk]

As a Mini enthusiast back in the 1970's I always looked on the MGB and GT as a two seater version of the Morris Oxford/Austin Cambridge.

Good for open top motoring and for British exports to the USA but too old fashioned as a drivers car even in its heyday.....I did like the way other MG owners always waved or flashed their lights at each other though long before Mini's ever did. I also remember being at local classic car shows back then and being told by MGB enthusiasts that the humble Mini would never make serious classic car status!

 

The MGC with straight six was a flop and the MGB GT V8 was a great idea but the BL version should have been launched much earlier........

Edited by mab01uk, 14 May 2016 - 07:15 PM.

[vx220]

Thanks for all the replies, I think a GT6 would be beyond my budget and I get the impression the mgb would be an easier car to get in and out of than the GT6 or the mini. I can get a better mgb or mini for my budget than Triumph.

My heart still says mini, as it has done since I was about 4, but thinking there might be a bit more usable space in the mgb, for me (no longer 4, I'm quite a bit bigger now!) and for camping gear etc...

[vx220]

I guess the other question is...

Is there an MG forum as good as TMF?