UK vs UK — 1962 vs 1949
| MGB Roadster Mk I | TD Mk II | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 95 hp | 57 hp |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft | 64 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,798 cc | 1,250 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.2 sec | 22.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 80 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 23.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,028 lbs | 1,925 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,311 mm | 2,388 mm |
| Length | 3,886 mm | 3,708 mm |
| Units Produced | 513,272 | 29,664 |
| Original MSRP | $2,650 | $1,800 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1949 MG TD Mk II answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
MG has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I with the 1949 MG TD Mk II highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I holds a clear advantage in raw power with 95 hp compared to 57 hp, a 38-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the MG MGB uses a Inline-4 OHV B-Series displacing 1,798 cc, while the MG TD relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,250 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I edges ahead at 11.2 seconds versus 22.7 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 29,664 units built, the 1949 MG TD Mk II is considerably scarcer than the MG MGB's 513,272 examples.