Joe Reed
Jedi Warrior
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i asked this question elsewhere after someone comparing the MGB to the Miata stated that the Miata had no "soul". I've often seen that comment used in that comparison, but have always been a bit bewildered about exactly what that means. It's not performance related....the Miata is certainly superior in that respect...so what is it? Mickey suggested that I ask the same question here to get your responses.
Does it have to do with the MGB having lots of mechanical noise getting through to the driver, while the Miata is substantially quieter?
Is it related to the fact that the MGB needs more attention from the owner when it comes to maintenance....therefore you spend more "hands on" time with the car?
Maybe it's because the Miata is possibly a bit easier to drive (more supple suspension, maybe power steering, air conditioning and actual heat on demand, etc.)?
Or is it maybe that you feel a sense of accomplishment if you make a 500 mile trip in the MG, but doing it in a modern car is just a ho hum experience?
Is it just because the MG is 40+ years old? If that's the case maybe all old cars have more "soul" than the current ones?
Having had both a Miata and an MGB at the same time, I enjoyed both cars....but they certainly are a different experience. I just never related that experience to one having "soul" and the other not having it. It was simply the difference between a modern sports car and an antique. I wonder if Mustang enthusiasts find that an early Mustang has more "soul" than a new one?
Please enlighten me
Does it have to do with the MGB having lots of mechanical noise getting through to the driver, while the Miata is substantially quieter?
Is it related to the fact that the MGB needs more attention from the owner when it comes to maintenance....therefore you spend more "hands on" time with the car?
Maybe it's because the Miata is possibly a bit easier to drive (more supple suspension, maybe power steering, air conditioning and actual heat on demand, etc.)?
Or is it maybe that you feel a sense of accomplishment if you make a 500 mile trip in the MG, but doing it in a modern car is just a ho hum experience?
Is it just because the MG is 40+ years old? If that's the case maybe all old cars have more "soul" than the current ones?
Having had both a Miata and an MGB at the same time, I enjoyed both cars....but they certainly are a different experience. I just never related that experience to one having "soul" and the other not having it. It was simply the difference between a modern sports car and an antique. I wonder if Mustang enthusiasts find that an early Mustang has more "soul" than a new one?
Please enlighten me