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TR6 opinions wanted - tr6a vs mga

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benjaminabby04

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I currently own a 74 tr6, and I am potentially looking to add a 2nd vehicle. I am looking at the Tr3a, and the MGA.
what is everyones opinion on one vs the other?
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Whoa, Benjamin! You've opened up the gates with this one!

My answer would be guts (TR3) and grace (MGA).

(I own a TR3 and an MGB)

Mickey
 
I sure like the looks of the MGA's.
Very Sporty looking in my opinion
 
Well in my humble opinion the TR3 is a superior vechicle. Of course it is also one of my all time favorite British cars. If the choice was between a MG TC or TD and a TR3 I would have to think it over. But in this case TR3 hands down gets my vote.
 
I've heard that MG looked at the success of the TR2 and decided what people wanted was graceful lines and an 'envelope' body -- ergo the MGA. A beautiful car but what many buyers were getting TRs for was the difference in power.

Now perhaps in the interest of 'equal time' you should also ask that question on the MG forum.
 
well,I never fell out of love with my mga and it has been almost 40 years but realistically where you find the best car for the best price can be the smartest way to make this decision! When people come to my shop for help in building their first car-my mantra is: if you are taking on an extreme project make sure the 1st one is one you have an emotional attachment to_Otherwise it is a candidate to end up in the weeds when the going gets rough and you are unencouraged and broke(and both) and have to wait on something// for what ever reason.Another good tip for a real challenge is have a partner if possible with the same fever so when your down she's up or vise versa. This may not have helped you make the choice-but in all my experiences tracking parts & helping other hobbiests it is a buyers market and the deals are out there!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif
 
Depends on your style - Tr3 is rough, a tad ragged but with technical refinement (discs, great trans, power). The MGA more 'refined', a bit smoother but down on power. I love my TR3 but would also like an MGA coupe (the racers were hard tops)as it's an interesting vehicle too.
 
I'd vote for both! I've got a TR4 now, a wee bit modified and in restoration. But, I'd like to have a TR3A "Beta", an MGA and a few other LBCs to keep it company some day. In fact, I've got my eye on an MGA that's been parked in my neighborhood for some time.

If you enjoy working on your own cars, I'd vote for the TR3. It's an easy car to work on. For example, I believe some (all?) MGAs get into some Whitworth sized fasteners and that's not an issue on TR3s.

Perhaps the best thing would be to consider both and shop to see what you can find.

Cheers!

Alan
 
I would chose the tr3 for the power and looks. I also like the looks of the mga, but if I had the mga, I think I would switch mgb parts over such as disc brakes 1800 engine and transmission. Over all this would be a tough decision and in the end would depend on the condition and price of any cars being considered
 
My first LBC was a '58 MGA purchased for $300 in 1970 while in grad school. The body was beautiful, engine/tranny were sound but the plywood floor had to be replaced along with the carpeting. The wires were a bit of a pain until I finally got them trued up correctly and the side curtains were a joke in the Chicago area winter. Man, I loved that car. For some reason unknown to me now, I sold it and bought a '74 260 Z car; replaced that with a '75 280 and then the wife bought her '75 TR6. The Z was gone in 6 months and the Triumph has been with us ever since.

Guess what it all comes down to is what looks and feels best to you. Personally if I were looking for an "A" today, I would try to find a '60 with the twin cam. Nothing against the old MK I, just a bit more snap.
 
A lot will depend on what stage of repair you are looking at. The MGA's had some rust problems but the TR's could require a completely new car to be built in the rear area. If you are going to try and find a restored car I would go for the MGA MKII 1600, disk brakes a bit more power. The MGA frame is very solid and as you already have a TR this would give you a bit of MG history as well. Wayne
 
I have a TR3 and my dad had a MG-TD (similar engine to an MGA if my memory serves correct) that served as my spare car when something broke on the TR3. The TD handled like a dream but the engine was in a word... gutless...

I always said if I could have the handling of the TD with the amazing tourque of the TR3 engine you could really have something.

Dad only drove the TR3 a couple of times and felt that it was just too much of a beast to handle and preferred the MG.

We'd fold down the windshield on the TD and pull mine off the TR (it has fast-release fastners and just slides right off) and go racing around the back roads. I'd leave him in the dust on straights but he'd always be back up with me through the windy bits. Yes... we're a couple of dorks.

I seem to remember 65mph being quite a reach on the highway with that little MG sewing machine motor screaming along at 4000+ rpm.

Mickey hit it right on the head above: do you want guts or grace?
 
For someone who has a TR4 and a 3A, I have to say go for the 3A.
They're tough and characterful.
Probably easier to maintain than either the MGA or your TR6.
 
In the end it comes down to whether you can find a car in good condition at thr price you can afford and in a colour you like!
With cars like MGBs or Spitfires there are so many available you can choose from several, but with the TR3 and MGA you may look for quite a while to find an affordable car in good condition of either model; unless you have a big budget, of course.
I love the looks of the MGA and the frame is massively strong, very deep main rails, so it handles better in my opinion. The Triumph has much more power, but if you are not fussy about originality many MGAs have the MGB drivetrain installed, some with overdrive or Ford 5 speed transmission.
Simon.
 
It's like asking whether you should buy a Mustang or Camaro.

It basically comes down to what characteristics you value more:

1)Looks: MGA is gorgeous, sexy, sleek. TR3 is aggressive, somewhat dumpy to some, but unmistakable. TR3 stands out more, and is more popular with guys. Women like the lines of MGA.

2)Power: MGA is nearly 40hp down on a TR3. TR3 is torquey, and if you think you can only get axle hop in a muscle car, you've never dumped the clutch on a TR3! (I once had my throttle linkage pop-off due to the shake from a drop-clutch full-throttle launch.)

3)Handling: MGA is smooth and graceful, and more compliant -- one of the best of the era. TR3: quick steering but understeer in the dry and oversteer in the wet. If you can four wheel drift a stock TR3 on dry pavement, you can get work as a stunt driver in Hollywood! That being said the TR3 is FUN to throw around.

Tranny: The only tranny that's more fun to shift than a TR3 is a Miata. Stubby little lever is great - and the 3-4 transition just feels great! Not that the MGA is bad. Just not as magical in my opinion.

Value: Now about the same

Rarity: You see more TR3s around. Neither is rare, but you generally will see 3-to-1 TR3:MGA.

Comfort: About the same, provided you're under 6 feet. Over 6 feet, and you'll want a TR3, which can fit guys up 7 feet in pre-TS60,000 cars without a package shelf to block the seatback.

Bottom Line: The old collectors' line used to be "MGAs cost half as much as TR3s because they're half the car," but it is no longer true.

It comes down to which car you think looks better and feels better with you in the driver's seat. I personally love to be able to scrape my knuckles on the ground while holding the steering wheel. The sense of speed with those cut-down doors in a TR3 is hard to beat.

But I'd buy a MGA in heartbeat if I could justify it to the wife!
 
I personally would love to have either of these cars, but I'd take the MG if I could only have 1. It's just so pretty. You can give an MG more power, but you can't make a TR3 prettier. Not that it's bad looking, I think it's one of the best looking cars ever made! I just think the MGA has nicer lines.
 
[ QUOTE ]
You can give an MG more power, but you can't make a TR3 prettier.

Them's fightin' words son...

[/ QUOTE ]

I told ya you opened up the gates! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif

Mickey
 
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