MGA Forum

I am looking into buying a 100-4 Healey, but I also like MGA's. Does the 100-4 have much more power than an MGA? Any comments would be great. Thanks!

The BN1 Austin Healey had a 2.6L engine making 90HP...so much bigger than even the later MGA 1.8L engines.

Both cars could hit 100MPH though - so I don't know that it makes much difference.

The MGA is certainly a less expensive hobby than owning an Austin Healey. Those things are made of gold or something.

JIM

Cursory glance from internetz info:

Healey 100 - 150 ft-lbs torque, 90 hp
MGA 1500/1600 - 78/87 ft-lbs torque, 72/90 hp

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014-10-30 09:00 AM by filospinato.

wow this is good for a spirited debate......having owned a big Healey and two MGAs i have working knowledge of the two cars....the $$$ is in the Healeys, the frame and steering systems of the MGA are superior to the Healey period. no question there. why is this important to you? because driving a car with rack and pinion steering is more fun and frames have a tendency to become really weak after 50 yrs and the MGA started off with a thicker frame and one that went over the rear axle instead of below it. so bottoming out is always an issue in the Healeys. the Healeys are an accumulation of parts made into a beautiful car....the MGA was at least designed as a beautiful car

would i own a 100/4 absolutely....they are really good looking cars despite the faults


edit: the other thing that are problems with Healeys are where the aluminum wings meet the body of the car and they get really bad galvanic action going on and the aluminum just flakes away. for some reasons the MGA didnt have this problem on the parts they have wrapped in aluminum



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2014-10-30 09:40 AM by bobs77vet.

Been looking for a nice 100 4 for awhile and it seems they have become "gold or something".

I think in terms of beauty they both are true works of rolling art especially the Healey when the windshield is down.
Very different driving machines with the Healey being the stronger more powerful car.

If money is no object find one of each to try on and see how you fit. I have tried to follow the advice of car friends and buy the best of what I like that I can afford.....which is why I am still without a Healey!

Also joining a local British car club is advisable in helping you make a decision.

Alex
I pretty much agree with the above comments. I owned a couple of big Healey's years ago.
I think the A does drive better but the Healey has a little more grunt and bling.
You need to drive both and see which one fits your butt better and then which one fits your wallet better.

Irene
I think you have a windscreen thing.
Ron

I did a ground up one a 100-4 and it was a pain in the ass. I never finished it because it was always cutting my hand and arms for some reason. I had the frame and engine done and the body in primer but sold it to buy a MG TF. The TF was a lot more enjoyable to work on and drove great.

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Gary

Murphy's law

Tell a man there are 300 billion stars in the universe, and he'll believe you. Tell him a bench has wet paint on it, and he'll have to touch it to be sure.

....I too had some Healeys one driver and two projects 1 100/6 and 2 3000s sold them to help pay for our house, lovely beasts to just sit in even,but I sold my MGA Mk11 at the same time...now they are probably worth more than my house..

just a thought, if you have Healey money, then for a few bucks more you could get into a Jaguar XK....I turned down a super clean BRG XK 150 DHC 18 months ago and I am still cursing myself....

In 1982 I did a body off resto on a 1956 BN2 100/4. It was a really great car, nimble, light steering, a lot of get up and go, and an overall joy to drive. One of the differences between the MGA and the 100/4 was the smooth overdrive in the Healey. If I ever buy another 100/4 I would focus on the BN2 model. It has a four forward speed transmission and reflectors mounted on the rear fenders which are located about a foot above each brake/turn signal, running light. Once I got that car up to speed, I could drive it all day with the tranny in overdrive. Great highway ride if you need or want to take it on long trips. I had an MGA at the same time so I could not help but compare the two. It was sort of trying to compare which one of your children you like the best. Each car has its own personality, both rather austere, side curtains, no roll up windows, sporty with the MGA being a little more docile, similar room in the trunk. The spare tire in each car resides in the trunk with about one fifth of the tire protruding through the rear bulk head into the driver's cabin. I liked the legroom much more in the Healey and the space around the pedals too. It seemed to be a tad wider too. Oh well, If I were debating which one to buy, I would try to spend some time driving each one. Just my two cents.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2014-10-30 05:40 PM by elgatto.

Thanks everyone for some great thoughts on this! I agree with some of you that for a few extra dollars you can get into a Jaguar. It would probably be a series 2 E-Type (if you are looking in a similar price range) which are great cars, much better quality than a Healey or MG. Other Jags have a higher value such as the 120 140 and 150 roadsters and the series 1 E-Types. But, the Healey just has that amazing look especially with the windshield folded down. Ive had a few late 3000's and they drive very nicely, but they don't have the 100-4 good looks. I have never driven a 4 cylinder Healey which is why I asked. The MGA is also a great looking car, but under powered from what I am getting from your comments.

Its been a long time since I drove a 100-4 but don't they have a funny (backwards) shift pattern?

^ Only the BN1's, or rather BN1's with the original gearbox. The BN2 box is a true 4 speed and a common swap done to the early cars.

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Click the image to visit my V8 site.

Get the car you love the most !!!! They are both beautiful car's. If your looking for power get a vintage Corvette with a big block and three two's !!

if you want power, steering, reliability, air bags buy a used C5 corvette.

the MGA is only under powered by todays standards

My video 2 cents.



(see 10.00 for some nimble driving)