MGTF v MR2 v MX5

MarkP said:

.....................Choice will be TF160 or MX5 1.8 Sport.
Looking for opinions please.

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Firstly Mark welcome to the Forums. I can answer your question but I'm biased and not subjective. My wife has an MGF Trophy which we think is great. There are still some available (Kernahan of Witney - have a RED one in stock at the moment). I would imagine with a good discount - mention where you read it first!

The TF with the same engine and brakes, with updated suspension and better looks should be a great proposition.

There's no denying the MX5 is a great car too, but it is not mid engined. I've only driven the base 1.8 and was disapointed in its performance. But, the dash IMHO is of much better quality than the F/TF. The only answer is to test drive back to back and then it comes down to cost/running.

I'm sure there are owners out there who have had a MX5 and can give a subjective answer.

Choice will be TF160 or MX5 1.8 Sport

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I can't give you wholly objective opinion but I have owned a Mk1 MX-5 and my sister owns a VVC F.
My sister has had a lot more trouble with her F than I had with my 5 over the same duration and mileage. Also, don't be worried about the 5 being front engined - Mazda have applied a lot of effort to get the polar moment of inertia very low, so it handles superbly.
However, I would say that the interior of the F is significantly superior to the 5. I suspect that the TF160 will be quicker - having more power - and will pull more g in the corner - the 5 is quite softly sprung - but the 5 is still a hoot to drive on the twisties.
If you are into tweeking your cars, guys in the States have blown their MX-5s (well, Miatas) to ~350bhp and there are plenty of suspension mods available as well.

In a nutshell, they are fairly different cars but both will put a smile on your face with the top down. Go and drive them both a couple of times and then buy the one that suits you.

HTH,

S.

Mark

February's issue of "CAR" would be usefule purchase; it has articles on our favourite cars = Long termers you have considered.

1. TF main article (words on main site - see What's New).
2. F main article.
3. Long Term - MR2.
4. Long Term - MX5.
5. Long Term - Vauxhall VX220 - my list.

On the letters page - two folks talking about a budget MGR and positive MGR letter bestowing the new "Z"'s. Plus another fine letter complaining about the cost of extras - CD & metallic paint!

I've seen it in the flesh !

Well, that's it, it has arrived at the local dealership in Chester. A 135 in Trophy Blue with blue soft top. I reckon I spent at least an hour reviewing options and prices etc and I would like to thank Alex Robb for spending so much time with me.
Verdict.....Stunning.....possibly not the colour for me but still very eye catching. Alex pointed out the new strengthening cross beams in the engine compartment as one of the easier to see refinements.
I have in my possesion one of the very limited brochures and price lists if any one needs any info but for those interested in performance, here it is.

TF115 1.6i, 1588cc, 116Ps, 0-60 9.2 top 118mph
TF135 1.8i, 1796cc, 136Ps, 0-60 8.2 top 127
TF120 Stepspeed 120Ps, 0-60 9.7 top 118
TF160 1.8vvc 160Ps, 0-60 6.9 top 137

on the road prices

TF115 £15,750
TF135 £17,245
TF120 £18,245 stepspeed.
TF160 £19,995


From a side view it looks just like the Lotus Elan of which I was a big fan.
If you are thinking of getting one, definately add the front fog lights.

OK ....

Having spent the last 6 weeks trying to decided this very question, I just purchased the MGTF which I hope to get in the next 7 days.

What did it for me...
*better drive
*more room for long legs
*better vision
*head room

down side was the finish of the interior, but looking at ebay you can buy all sorts of little extras.