Alfa Spider vs. MGB vs. TR6 vs. Miata | Which One Should You Buy?
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- Опубліковано 21 лис 2024
- We took an early Miata, Alfa Spider, MGB, and Triumph TR6 out on the road to compare and see what one takes the crown as the ultimate classic roadster.
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Alfa,, no doubt! I've driven a '78 Spider...into my 5th decade now! (since 1986). Everything about the car fits perfectly, for me...mid sized person. You're at the beautiful cockpit of an intelligently put together moving machine that require all limbs to control and direct, you feel as one and together experience the joy of driving together. Arms reach, at a glance, casual cruise that can get sexy too, I've removed my not-needed rear view mirror to open fully the view (why restrict that?). I love that all the gauges are surrounded by chrome, and that they all actually measure something! The gearbox is smooth, not bothersome in the city, and clearly conveys "I'm a sports car" when on open windy roads. Incredible value to cost to joy to frustration ratio over 37 years; just one of dozen things of internal giddiness of getting to have one of these beauties. Before choosing the Alfa, I'd investigated and driven the others - MG too tiny, same with the Triumphs and T and Fiats had bad reputations repairwise. The littler cars were cute, but for me didn't also "double" as a regular everyday car, where I can load a ton of stuff in the trunk and the dog behind the seats (still doing that today). The fuel injected Italian Alfa was a clear choice when I was 20, it's still working out. Love this car!
I've been a subscriber to Classic Motorsports magazine for many years. The articles they have a fantastic. In fact, I remember an article about the guys buying a S2 Spider and driving it thousands of miles home. I owned a few Spiders at the time, but the furthest I had driven one was about 50 miles. So I bought a 1973 from a gentleman near Rochester, NY and proceeded to drive her across country - in July! We took our time and had a great vacation! In fact, we had such a good time, we did the same thing a couple years later with a 1971 Spider - this time in New Jersey!
The guys at Classic Motorsports cleaned up some things on their S2 and they wrote about the upgrades. Fantastic!!! These guys pick a car and spend a lot of time making the car right - all chronicled in issues of the magazine.
I recommend any car guy to take a look. It's a classic car magazine written by car guys! You gotta love it!
Alfa by a country mile. Gorgeous design, twin cam aluminum engine, 4 wheel discs. All have their own virtues but Viva Italia.
A Chrome bumper MGB is much more "timeless" than the later ones.
Next year I will have owned my '91 Miata 20 years. I've had a blast driving, upgrading, and generally owning it. I'll turn over 200K within the week. This car is fun, reliable, and I've loved owning it. Drive a Miata and the shifters on those other cars feel like broom handles. You can't beat that gearbox.
Wouldn't trade, but I would make some room in the garage for an Alfa. Those things are gorgeous.
I owned a triumph and an Alfa. Had a girlfriend with an MG which I often drove and a friend with a miata. None compare to the Alfa. Power, handling, and comfort the Alfa is way above. I remember the first time I drove the Alfa having had experienced only with Mgs and Triumphs I was blown away as to the power the Alfa had. It didn't seem like any 4 cylinder engine I had drove before. The closest comparison was to a V8. With Weber carbs the Alfa is that powerful.
The MGB is my choice , mum gave me her 74 B GT chrome bumper car which she bought in 1977.
I'm gradually restoring it , the most surprising thing is the performance.
It's completely standard and ran very badly.
I've stripped and rebuilt the carbs , it ran better, still not great, checked the ignition timing which should be 12 degrees before TDC, it was actually set to 10 degrees after TDC.
It now goes like a jet and with a stainless exhaust with very small first silencer sounds fantastic.
People I take out for a drive are amazed by it.
And this is the point I'm trying to make.
Many classic cars are in a very bad state of tune because mechanics now do not know how to adjust and tune them.
When Mum gave it to me Dad said , "the steering is really heavy , I cant understand it.
I greased the 6 nipples and the steering is now really light.
I think the garage dad took it to for 30 years didn't posses a grease gun.
They certainly did not know how to adjust the valve clearances.
They'd fitted some new components like a water pump and a fuel pump and a radiator but missed lots of things .
I've owned them all. A 1750 spyder for 10 years, MGB, a couple of MX5's and still own a TR6. The Alfa was pretty and I wish I kept it. They're all great. I've still got a TR6 because it goes great, is tough, fun and makes a great noise. Any of them are special though and way better than any EV ever will be.
What a great group of cars! I don’t think any one of these cars could be considered a “best pick.” They all have their high and their low points. Having driven an Alfa and a Miata they are both very enjoyable and more modern roadsters. In high school I always wanted a TR6 because they seem so muscular and raw. I currently own an MG identical to the one in your test( I’ve owned several) and find them to be great, affordable rides. I really think you can’t go wrong with either of these cars. Once you put the top down and feel the wind in your hair as you drive down a windy road, all that matters is that you are enjoying the experience of driving a roadster. There is no better driving experience. Great video, thank you!
Between the years 1973 and 1981, I owned a TR4, a TR5 PI, and a TR6 PI here in the UK. I currently own a '93 MX5 ( Miata ).
The MX5 is clearly the more advanced, particularly in the chassis/suspension area, compared to the TR6 here. I've never driven an MGB or an Alfa Spider. Apart from anything else, certainly back then, the Alfa was out of my price range, I didn't like the looks, and I viewed it as vaguely a car for girls. The favourite for me amongst these 4 would always be the TR6. The sound of a straight six does it for me, and the fair amount of low down grunt. Like most 16 valvers, in the MX5 nothing much happens till 4000 rpm.
The guys in the video, like most dealers and traders, have great interest in talking up how prices will go on the MIata. In reality, apart from these, for decent, OK, MX5 Mk1's, (other than the beautiful, always garaged, drooled over by their doting owners who never drive them in a spot of rain..., cars.) .., prices will take a long time to go up significantly. Like the MGB, there was just too many of them built.
I've owned three Miatas and three MGBs. I own two MGBs now. A '64 and a '77. Wonderful cars.
I have a 68, 71, 78, 79 Limited Edition and 80 MGB in my collection. They are all have had a ground up restorations and Overdrive transmissions installed.
I enjoyed reading the story and watching the video, as an Alfa collector I was pleased with your analysis. It is kind of funny that when the Alfa was new it was regarded as a not very good looking car and the styling was derided as boring and kitschy. How times change and the design is now considered classic and the most valuable one is the round tail which earned the spider the nickname cuttlefish. I think you tested one of the best years I own both a Duetto and a 74 Kamm tail and the Kamm tail is really better resolved and has a lot of design improvements.
I have several Alfa's and enjoy them but I will say a Fiat 124 gives it a solid run for the money and looks are subjective but an early chrome bumper 124 has more than a hint of 275 GTS in the design is a nice looking car.
I do wish you had thrown in a bigger wild card, a Lotus Elan, A Lancia Scorpion or Chevy Corvair. I think the Corvair would have been a good choice of something just a little different.
Oh next time go for something smaller Fiat x1/9 or 850, MG midget, Triumph spitfire, Honda S800 and maybe a Crosley hotshot
The designer of the Fiat 124 designed a Ferrari or two. Tom Tjaarda, recently passed, designed a very long list of great cars. And the designer of the motor, ex-Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi was a genius. Such an underappreciated car. I'm glad to see someone with your love and knowledge of older sports cars giving it the praise it deserves. I had just finished singing those praises in a comment when I read yours.
As an Alfa collector, I'm in agreement with these guys. Mr. Bautista Farina did a fantastic job on the car. A quick story - A few years ago, I looked at a 1974 Jensen Healey - original paint and that Lotus 907 twin cam! I thought it drove like a kit car and it only had a four speed. I jumped in my 2001 VW Beetle and drove home (the Beetle drove much better, so I knew it wasn't a good car to buy). When I got home, I walked up to the driveway and saw my beautiful Alfa Spiders. Gorgeous cars! I had to grab the keys and go for a drive.
I own all series and I agree the early S2 is a better driving car than the Duetto, but the Duetto looks outstanding! I still think that 1971 is the year to get. It comes with the tighter fitting bumpers, no overriders, Klippan Belts (cool factor), cleaner rear end and best of all, that sweet 1750!
The Alfa guys tell me to let the '67 grow on me. Keep the revs in the power band! I guess I like the slight bit more toque in the 1750 and it's just the right amount of power.
Regarding the Fiat 850 - it's not in the same league as these cars. A few months ago, we went to dinner and took the 850 Spider. I let my better half drive and she was so pleased with the car. When we got home, I had her drive the S4 Spider. She understood in a second! Yeah, the 850 is tiny and cute, but it's a throw away car (they made more 850 Spiders than Alfa Spiders, yet so few still exist) and you can feel the difference.
@@williampotter2098 Well, I'm an Alfa driver and own a Spider 105, too, but I've to admit that the 124 Tjarda/Lampredi even has more charm. Love it
I have that Alfa since 25 years and every time i open the garage door it takes my breath away
Funny thing, I always notice that very few Miata drivers give a wave while most MGB drivers and other classic cars owners do. I like the Miata very much and have always thought it would be nice to own one for an everyday driver.
Can't beat a 1974 MGB with over drive . But would take anyone of the four . The B is a great car to get into the hobby . Eazy to work on and great parts availability.
I have a 68, 71, 78, 79 Limited Edition and 80 MGB in my collection. They are all have had a ground up restorations and Overdrive transmissions installed.
There really is existing only one, the Alfa Romeo Duetto/Spider, he has the most intensive character, 2nd the Triumph and the rest nevermind.
I’d have any of them, to be honest. But I wouldn’t sell my X1/9 to make room for one, either!
Mu first car was a TR4A. My second car was an Alfa Duetto. My third car was a BMW 2002. All still in my teens. Now in my sixties I probably would want to have the Alfa again. I was a little screamer and I liked the Pininfarina design. The 2002 was better as a daily car but was still sporty.
I have an NA Miata, and TR6 and would love to get an Alfa Spider one day.
The current-generation Miata blows them all away. I know because I’ve owned an Alfa Spider and a Jaguar XK-E, and my ND2 could run circles around them. But you will never know the appeal of the current Miata because you could not get into one. In the looks department, I am confident the current Miata will be considered a design classic. To my mind, it already is.
I have a first gen NB. Was lucky enough to own a 89 RX7 GTU back in the day and that car was fast. But Miata is always the answer.
The Alfa spider is ten times better looking and a beautiful interior. ❤❤❤. And they do drive well. I would love an Alfa with a v6 260 bhp.
Of these cars I find myself torn between the Alfa and the Triumph (though I also really like the older chrome bumper MGB's). Of course the Miata's have their benefits as noted in the video and relatively speaking they'll always be the great inexpensive alternative given the production numbers. The reality is that I could have plenty of fun driving any of these cars - with the top down whenever possible of course. I love roadsters and am grateful for all of these cars.
Good choices for driving "al fresco", but being an Alfista for over 6 decades, my clear winner is the Alfa. I own an '88 and, at 6'1", I have to issues to fit comfortably for hours and hours of fun driving and plenty of storage in the trunk and behind the seats.
The MGB will always be my choice. They have stood the test of time.
I am too large for the Miata, Like them all. Currently restoring 2 MGBs, roadster and GT
Very interesting comments. I'm in the market for my retirement classic car and have (had?) been leaning towards the TR6 primarily based on looks, the torquey engine, and prices are reasonable for a nice one. Surprisingly, this was the lease talked about car by you guys (except how narrow it was). My first car was a '63 MGB so I'm familiar with it. I respect your comments about the Miata chronologically qualifying as a "classic", but my heart says no, it's not in the same spiritual category as the others. The Alfa is the lowest on the totem pole because prices are 2x-3x that others for nice ones and Italian reliability/repair costs have a deserved reputation. Plus, I like the overall looks - inside and out - of the MGB and TR6 better. Bottom line, each one of these cars has a key, almost deal-breaking flaw. The search continues.
Take a look at the Series 3 Alfa Spider. There's a ton of them out there and prices are reasonable. If you can come up with a little more, try a later Series 2 car. A jump in price gets you a stainless steel bumper Series 2.
I was a Porsche guy for many, many years. From a 1967 912 to a 2001 996, I thought they were the best. In fact, I still have my 2003 986, which is a blast to drive. The only thing about Porsche is the German quality. They all feel the same!
A friend of mine told me to give Alfa Romeo a try. The first time I drove one, I knew it was special. There's a soul to the car. Porsche's are fantastic machines that are incredibly engineered (I'm an engineer and I know what Porsche does). Alfa on the other hand is sculpted - it's a work of art. Things are in the wrong place, but they work. I've driven two old Spiders across country and they were the best road trips I've ever taken!
Do yourself a favor and get an Alfa Spider. Make sure it's well maintained, so you're not soured on the brand. And come visit us at Alfabb.com. Some of the most helpful Alfa enthusiasts around!
@@gregkimura5906 Thanks much for the insight. I'd have a Cayman or Boxster in a heartbeat, but the parts and maintenance costs scare me off (I can afford it but I don't want to afford it). I'm not the car guy I used to be and can't/won't do my own work like I did in the analog days. Until they make a Porsche or Alfa that has the reliability and maintenance ease of an old Corolla, I think the window has closed on me. But never say never.
If you haven’t pulled the trigger yet I would go with the TR6. I have one and with the custom two pipe exhaust it sounds awesome. The MGB ‘s are plentiful but to see a TR6 is more of a rare occurrence. That’s what makes it special to me.
I’d go for the Alfa from this choice, the MGB and Triumph though are very practical old time classics due to the amount of specialists and spares availability . Not really a fan of Japanese cars but I can see the attraction of the Miatta /MX5 are going to be the same as MGs with there strong following/ spares etc . Which of these would I choose , non of them , much prefer Fiat 124 Spider in Euro spec , chrome bumpers / carburettor etc.
Not comparable directly when they were new was an understatement.
The MGB was upper working class/lower Middle class with the Midget being below that.
The Sunbeam Alpine could rival both the MGB and the Triumph TR whereas the V8 Tiger version was comparable to the later MGC or arguably the Volvo, Alfa Romeo Spyder on a performance basis of not finish. Certainly the sports offering from Rootes Group was a robust and well built car and with the V8 it gave performance in abundance.
The Triumph TR was definitely well etched as a middle class sportscar. Above an MG clearly.
The Lotus Elan, Alfa Romeo Spyder and the Volvo "The Saint" was clearly upper middle class.
Alvis, Aston Martin, Facel, Porsche 911,Maserati and Ferrari were upper class.
The Jaguar E type was lower upper class. Above the Alfa Romeo, Volvo etc but very slightly below the Aston Martin, Alvis, Facel, Maserati.
Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda" or 190SL were upper class as was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL.
This may seem irrelevant today but at that time it was a very distinct way of working out the hiararchy of the sports car on the English Sports Car Market in the sixties.
My personal favourites would be the Alfa Romeo Spyder, Lancia Flaminia Spyder, Mercedes-Benz 300SL , Maserati or but I'd definitely be tempted to a Pagoda.
I do love the Jag and the Triumph not only for their charming British styling and charm but also for their sophisticated mechanicals.
For the dollar, the Alfa Romeo Spyder was by far the best value performance Sports Car at that time, which provided the wheel heeled buyer a performance standard within and sometimes exceeding the upper class sportscars and making a mockery of the performance limitations of its direct rivals and the offerings marketed beneath them. Handling, cornering were world class. The hooded instrument cluster in the Kamm Tail was difficult to better as was the charm of the rear end styling of it's predecessor, the Duetto.
Certain colours enhance the appeal of The sportscars. Silver or Silver Grey or Gunmetal Grey or Argent looks fantastic on the Aston Martin, Jaguar, Facel, Maserati and Lancia. The Red is most suited to the Alfa Romeo Spyder, MGB, Sunbeam Alpine and in a darker shade, the Triumph TR. British Racing Green appeals most on the Triumph and Jaguar. White or Light Silver is most desirable on any Mercedes-Benz SL. Gold looks superb on many of the upper class sportscars.
As a Tr-250 owner, nothin like taking it out on the weekend,,,,
Which one is the biggest both in size and inside comfort for a tall guy?
alfa romeo spider.. am 6 foot and 185,, and still have room to spare
The Alfa… to me it’s just wonderful.
They all have their charms.
The Alfa is gorgeous in so many ways, the Miata’s cost of ownership is next to nothing, MG’s and Triumph’s are lots of fun - not a bad choice here.
Todd put me on the sold list for the TR6. When you decide to sell if I haven’t found one by then . Please check with me 1st . Thanks sir
These cars are all very cool but none of those engines compare to the alfa twin cam. It sounds and revs like no other. Plus, i really dig that italian style. Forza Alfa Roméo !
It really is a good looking car.
Not fair to compare the Ugly bumper mgb to an early tr6 and early alfa with covered headlights ? Alfa is the best by far , tr6 best sounding 6 cylinder & good looking and Mgb the biggest production
Triumph Spitfire.
just bought my 3rd NA Miata. I would prefer the Alfa or Triumph, but either would easily be 5x as much money to match the condition of 1995 Mazda.
I still have my '72 Alfa, bought it 44 years ago in 1980 and back in the day it was a cut above but like you said, they were expensive. Even in the used market we could have gotten a Triumph for half the price. Today they are all gems but I honestly don't think the Miata belongs in this category.
Was this video shot in Deltona?
Which would you rather have 94 Spider Commemorative edition or late 80’s spider Quadrifoglio?
No comparison. Take the S4! It's a much more civilized car. When I want to take an Alfa to the office, I'll grab the keys to my 1993 S4 over any of the other Spiders. However, if I want to make some noise, it's an early S2 with SPICA.
The Spyder makes the others look like Billy Carts
I think the Alfa if a better date night car than the miata. It just does everything better! Luxury, good looking, fun.
Get one of each.
The MGB beats the Alpha in the looks departments all day long. I have a 74 roaster with a performance build engine and a 5 speed tranny and it's a blast to drive.
.....' alfa '......please correct yourself, thank you
Alfa Romeo regardless of the model makes GREAT drivers cars. If you like driving buy an Alfa. I have a 91 Spider love love the car and I also own modern high end sports cars but like driving the Alfa Spider every bit as much even though it has a fraction of the horsepower and tech. Forza Alfa Romeo.
As a lover of Alfa Romeos, I'm in agreement. They are very special cars - the sensation of driving one is like no other. The sounds they make and the comfort! I've driven two across country and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. My 986 sits in the garage asking me to take her for a spin. Nope, I'll grab the keys to one of my Spiders!
I do own a 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder and it's a very fun car. It doesn't have the soul of an Alfa, but it's a fun car to drive and it can be thrown around corners too.
For many reasons..
My choice out of these 4 would be the MGB, but not the B you chose. It is by far the worst of the 18 year run. Heavy, slow, single carb and smogged, 2 inches higher than the originals, vinyl seats instead of leather, and hideous bumpers. The best of the best of the MGB series would be the first 62, 63.and 64. The B was (pre RBB) light, fun, easy to drive, easy to work on, parts are available and modest pricing. The RBB is not a fair representation to MGB prior to 74 1/2, an entirely different car.
The ALFA for style and handling, . The Miata for reliability and modest good looks... The TR6.. "industrial", cramped and a bear to work on. The best of them was the British version with fuel injection giving considerably more horsepower.
PS The MGB is not a "roadster" it is a "tourer" this according the MG Factory and verified by all their literature.
Of course this does not apply to the GT versions.
The FIAT 124 Spider is missing in this comparative. I mean the classic 124 not the modern one.
I actually like the modern 124, better than the Miata. The Alfas are still my favorite.
@@charlesbolton8471 the modern 124 is a rebodied miata. I was talking about the old 124, of which I own one example.
@@TNPTVconnect
I know exactly what you were saying, and I’m well aware that the modern 124 was a Japanese built rebodied Miata. All I was trying to say is that I personally liked the modern 124 better than the Miata of that same generation. I also have nothing at all against the classic 124s which I actually like better than MGs and Triumphs (other than the TR6), but I still like Alfas better. Originally, when Mazda partnered with FIAT that modern 124 was going to be an Alfa Spider.
@@charlesbolton8471 I personally would never contemplate buying a miata nor the modern 124.
Miata. The answer is always Miata.
The Miata rides just like an MGB, but without all the rattles. I tried a Triumph TR-6 and it thrilled me but it also scared me, because it is a body on frame, it felt like the two wanted to separate, but that in-line six, was thrilling. I always wanted to know what the next step was up from these classics and I found it in a 2000 Porche Boxster, by time I got to third gear I knew I had found the next level up.
I don’t see the Miata styling ever being a classic. I’d take any of the other ones over the Mazda.
You left a couple of cars out.
Sadly from 2027 illegal in EU and USA!
No love for my Datsun 2000?! Do you think that's because of lower production numbers than any of the cars in this video or some other reason?
We mentioned it in the print story. We don't have one locally to test. But, fantastic cars!
Thanks Tim! If you end up in NY some time, you’re welcome to take mine out. Lol
I think the Datsun 2000 was a much more expensive car , so really in a different class to these.
Actually not. In 1970, the last year for the Datsun, its msrp was $3100. The MGB was $2900 and the Alfa was a whopping $4400! The 1.6L version of the Datsun in that year beat them all at under $2800.
Stand corrected, the Datsun 2,000 seems a much more sophisticated car , engine is a twin cam six I think?
I just presumed it would be far more expensive!
You can’t really even include the Miata in this line up. It’s a fairly modern car. How many people will give you a thumbs up or a wave while driving a Miata? With the TR6 I get the thumbs up all the time and people chatting with me when I stop. I don’t believe most drivers of Miata’s get near the admiration of their cars then the drivers of the other three cars do. I would also add that since the MG and Triumph were more affordable then the Alpha, there are more people who had a brother or a friend that had either a MG or Triumph and the good stories that go along with it.
Fiat Spider wins the day😂
The Miata would be at the bottom of the list, way down from the others. Why? Because it's a computer car, not a real car. The others are real cars made out of real car parts. Machines. Something I can relate to and understand. If I had to pick a winner, it would probably be the TR6.
Miatas are a favorite to cruise Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. That is why you will not catch me in one.
It's one of the reasons I never bought one!
Lame left out the S2000
The Miata is totally out of place in this comparison.
BMW Z3 should have been included
Nothing repeat nothing makes a noise like a wounded angry animal, oil leaks unreliability and rattles an’ all TR6 beats the lot, end off!!!
They should have had a chrome bumper MGB instead of the tall ugly rubber bumper.
Our intent was to have a chrome-bumper model in our lineup, but the classic car gods were not about to let this happen: Twice that car broke on its way to our test day. You can read the full story here: classicmotorsports.com/articles/which-classic-roadster-offers-best-experience/
Depends of how much pain do you want cause to yourself in life. Triumph = extremly painfull; Alfa = a lot of pain; Mazda = almost no pain.
The ultimate roadster? My vote goes to the Ferrari F430 Spyder.
That's fatuous. The Ferrari is stupid money and the cars in this contest are all affordable by any car lover. Not even the same conversation.
Lifelong Italian car buff and owner, yet I totally disagree. The Alfa has always looked weak and a little goofy. Far too feminine. The TR6 is EASILY the best looking of the bunch, the most desirable, and the Miata should not have even been included. It's a fairly unattractive car, but nobody seems to be honest enough to say it. A dealer offered me one for under tissue back in 1990 to make up for a problem I had with him, and I sold it three days later. Lame car... The TR6 wins this debate, hands down
Amen! Could not have said it better! I am a very proud owner of a Signal Red 1970 TR6.
@@alankbonnette3137 A red TR6 with redline tires. Nothing from that era is that specific class looked better
@@stanleymasterson1135 that is exactly how mine is equipped!
You can read a more detailed breakdown of our comparison here to see why we picked what we did: classicmotorsports.com/articles/which-classic-roadster-offers-best-experience/