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FoxRocks

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Hi everyone, i'm brand new here. I need some advice on my next purchase. It is a toss up between a 1973 MGB Midget in really nice shape or a 1973 Fiat Spider also in nice shape. Price is very comparable. I guess what i need to know is what the pro;s and cons of each are, as well as some answers from all you MGB midget owners. My questions:

1. How fast does the MGB midget go?
2. What is the worst thing about them?
3. How do they ride?
4. What is the best thing about them?
5. Is there another MG that would be better for me instead of the midget?


Thank you all for any help you can provide, much appreciated.


~FOX~
 
Is it an MGB or an MG Midget. Two different models.

As far as the MG vs Fiats, parts are a lot easier to get for the MG.
 
Never driven a Midget, but all I can say is that you need to drive one to decide. There's no way to describe in words what it's like to drive an MG. I don't know anything about Fiats (and don't want to!) but I would imagine the Midget would be a more reliable car with more parts available.
 
Yep, a Midget is a very small car. That ad isn't much to go on. I would have a local mechanic give it a once over to be safe.
 
That Midget looks great. I like the color. I never liked Midgets before. They are a little too small for me. Then a friend of mine in college bought a '71. It was a lot of fun and looked pretty good. I wouldn't drive one myself because of the size, but they are pretty cool. As for Fiats I don't know anything about them. If I were to look at one I think I might actually give the X1/9 a try-I've always wanted to drive one. Of course, then we're back to an extremely small car.

I do think the later Fiats, the "2000"'s, are a little more modern compared to a contemporary MG. If I remember right, they were fuel injected, had a 2.0L motor, overhead cam, etc. Alfa might be another one to look at.

What I like about MG's, particularly B's, is that they capture an aesthetic that is nortmally found on much more exotic/expensive cars. I don't think Fiat ever quite pulled it off, although the Spider is an attractive car. It just doesn't look as integrated as the MG's do.

Forgot to mention-just had this conversation last week. A friend saw my GT and said he had to get one. Then he asked me about Fiats and I told him the above.
 
is it a fiat 850 or the larger 124. the 124 is comparable to the MGB and the 850 is thr midgets rival. stay away from the 850, take a chance on the 124 if its been restored. but for my money, there's nothing like a mgb (as long as there's little or no rust)for ease of repair and availability of parts that are reasonably priced.
 
I think the round rear fender Midgets (like the one you're considering)are among the most collectible. The fiat looks like a nice car too. Be very cautious and inspect both cars for rust or bodged rust repair. That midget looks like it has had a pretty recent paint job. That can be good or bad. If it was done right and the panels are bondo free, it's good. The rostyle wheels were sprayed completely over and the black is missing. Also, It looks like the painter did not mask off the tailpipe when he was painting...no big deal. The fiat looks to be pretty much original and correct from what I can tell from the picture. Drive both cars before you decide.
 
Hi, FoxRocks -

A couple of issues back, I think Classic Motorsports magazine had a comparison of several '70's sports cars, and the Fiat 124 and MGB were included. You should be able to do a search in their archives for the issue number. Not sure if the Midget was included, but at least you can read impressions of the 124. It's considered by some to be a more "refined" ride than the B, and larger than the Midget. When you look at the two of them, you'll notice the difference in size right away.

While not particularly fast, that's not the Midget's drawing card. It's very nimble - lots of fun to drive. But there's not a lot of room for more than the driver in there. Both the Fiat and the B are probably better choices for cruising.

Have fun deciding!

Mickey
 
A LOT easier repairing and paying for repairs with a Midget. Just make sure you fit in it. Drive it or drive one for sure.

Just curious why you are concerned about how fast a 1973 car is. For my money these cars are all just for fun driving with the top down and not street racing.

They all can keep up with "legal" highway speeds.

Bruce
 
I've driven both (many years ago) and while the Midget is cramped - it's so much more fun to drive than the Fiat!
 
Go with the Midget! I wonder why nobody seems to know anything about Fiats?
 
Fox,
My 2 cents
1. You're lucky if you can 80 mph in a Midget
2. Worst thing about them is their size. Very small, but can be the best thing about them as they're fun to drive. If you're a six footer, move on.
3. How do they ride? Fairly harsh. LIve axel and short wheel base - not real smooth.
4. Best thing? Fun to drive because they handle well. They are reliable when sorted out and parts are easy to come by.
5. The B or B GT would be a better choice for a comparison to the Fiat.
B's are very reliable, fairly roomy, fun to drive, easy to work on, parts availability is second to none for classic cars and support on the net (such as this forum and others) is also second to none.

Concerning the comparison between the Midget and the Fiat. If the Fiat is in great shape as stated I would definitely go with the Fiat. Larger car, bigger engine (110+ horsepower or so), 5 speed and I think independent rear suspension. Drive them both and see what you think. If you find a B in the same condition and price range then the opinion could change. Good luck.
 
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