MGB & GT Forum
MGB Vs Alfa Spider any year
Posted by linearosso
linearosso
Barry Russo
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Topic Creator (OP)
Oct 27, 2016 04:22 PM
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As a owner and dealer of All Models of Alfa Romeo since 1966 through 1995 I can state that the Alfa Spider has the most flexible and down right dangerous chassis I have ever experienced and I sold them NEW. You will never recover from a side slip with an Alfa Spider.
I just bought a 1979 B Tourer and I am thrilled with the Chassis. Not only is the MGB stiffer but the quality of the entire car makes me realize the error of my former devotion to the Alfa "mysique".
I just bought a 1979 B Tourer and I am thrilled with the Chassis. Not only is the MGB stiffer but the quality of the entire car makes me realize the error of my former devotion to the Alfa "mysique".
tvrgeek
Scott S
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Oct 27, 2016 04:36 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 8 years ago
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Besides, the driving position is better and the clutch is much softer. Still, the Alfa is a beautiful car. So was the GTA and if it were not for "issues", the Montreal is one of my all time favorite. I just know I could not drive one. The old twin cam was flat beautiful. So, I have two MGBs.
They also make Lucas look like a quality leader
Cogito ergo sum periculoso
They also make Lucas look like a quality leader
Cogito ergo sum periculoso
GBGary
Gary R
Burbank, CA, USA
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1963 Morgan Plus 4 (+4)
1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1972 MG MGB "Frankenstein" 1972 Rover 3500 "Bertie" & more |
Oct 27, 2016 05:12 PM
Joined 7 years ago
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As one who is afflicted with the roadster sickness, I agree with Barry most of the way. My B is more rattle free than my Alfa and in some ways more comfortable, once inside. The steering, brakes and gearbox on the Alfa are superior to the MG, however, it was about 25% more expensive new so it should be better in some areas. The Alfa is considerably more capable at speed and a lot more stable at speed on the highway, however, I think the MG is a lot more fun to drive overall. Back in the day I seemed to always end up with a Triumph of one type or another, but, I always felt my girlfriend's (later wife) '68 MGB was a more solid ride.
Gary
1972 MGB Roadster
Gary
1972 MGB Roadster
linearosso
Barry Russo
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Topic Creator (OP)
Oct 27, 2016 05:52 PM
Joined 7 years ago
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linearosso
Barry Russo
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Topic Creator (OP)
Oct 27, 2016 05:57 PM
Joined 7 years ago
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Jimflorida
Jim D
Orlando, FL, USA
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Oct 27, 2016 05:58 PM
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linearosso
Barry Russo
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Topic Creator (OP)
Oct 27, 2016 06:02 PM
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Oct 27, 2016 06:20 PM
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GBGary
Gary R
Burbank, CA, USA
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1963 Morgan Plus 4 (+4)
1969 Alfa Romeo Spider 1972 MG MGB "Frankenstein" 1972 Rover 3500 "Bertie" & more |
Oct 27, 2016 06:39 PM
Joined 7 years ago
178 Posts
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Fortunately I live in SoCal and was able to find a California Alfa with a lot of miles but zero rust. I rebuilt the engine at around 140K miles (now at about 170K) and the trans is still in original nic, syncros still good and stays in reverse until shifted out. Generalizations about any of our older cars are fun and like any generalization there must be a hint of truth, but many factors affect the aging, wear and usability of these old cars.
Gary
1972 MGB Roadster
Gary
1972 MGB Roadster
Oct 27, 2016 07:57 PM
Joined 11 years ago
1,857 Posts
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Barry,
I too sold the Alfa when new, side by side with MGs, Triumphs, Fiats, Rover and Jaguar from 1978 to 1981.
During this period, the Alfa outclassed the MG by leaps and bounds, and it was more than just a little bit more expensive. We referred to it as a REAL car when customers were debating what sports car to buy.
During this period, the MGB was anemic and didn't handle as well as the earlier cars, while the Alfa had a great engine, but a weak 5 speed gearbox. The Spyder did have some shuttle shake, but otherwise had a much better ride, especially for long distances.
The Alfa Sprint Veloce and the Alfetta Sedan were rock solid, stiff cars, that suffered the same 2nd gear synchro issues.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a MG nut through and through, but I don't consider them to be what they are not.
PS,
During this same time period, the Datsun 280Z was the best buy out there. It outclassed the the British and Italian cars by a mile, but didn't have the history and allure as the European cars.
Deo Volente
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-10-27 08:01 PM by mgbgt111.
I too sold the Alfa when new, side by side with MGs, Triumphs, Fiats, Rover and Jaguar from 1978 to 1981.
During this period, the Alfa outclassed the MG by leaps and bounds, and it was more than just a little bit more expensive. We referred to it as a REAL car when customers were debating what sports car to buy.
During this period, the MGB was anemic and didn't handle as well as the earlier cars, while the Alfa had a great engine, but a weak 5 speed gearbox. The Spyder did have some shuttle shake, but otherwise had a much better ride, especially for long distances.
The Alfa Sprint Veloce and the Alfetta Sedan were rock solid, stiff cars, that suffered the same 2nd gear synchro issues.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a MG nut through and through, but I don't consider them to be what they are not.
PS,
During this same time period, the Datsun 280Z was the best buy out there. It outclassed the the British and Italian cars by a mile, but didn't have the history and allure as the European cars.
Deo Volente
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-10-27 08:01 PM by mgbgt111.
Oct 27, 2016 07:59 PM
Joined 10 years ago
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Oct 27, 2016 08:17 PM
Joined 9 years ago
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Oct 27, 2016 08:21 PM
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Fiat and Alfa had the same one hand top operation.
Deo Volente
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-10-27 09:23 PM by mgbgt111.
In reply to # 3382833 by Gary G
Didn't they have a great hood? You can raise or lower the hood in case of rain with one hand from inside the car.
Or am I thinking of some other car?
Or am I thinking of some other car?
Deo Volente
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-10-27 09:23 PM by mgbgt111.
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Oct 27, 2016 08:27 PM
Joined 9 years ago
398 Posts
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Thanks, I guess my memory isn't totally shot. I wonder if anyone's fitted a top to a B and if it worked? A great solution to the standing-in-the-rain-while-putting-up-the=hood problem.
Too late for me, I just bought a new hood last year.
Too late for me, I just bought a new hood last year.
bmurphy
Brian M
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Oct 27, 2016 09:32 PM
Joined 9 years ago
93 Posts
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