UK vs UK — 1962 vs 1973
| MGB Roadster Mk I | MGB GT V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 95 hp | 137 hp |
| Torque | 109 lb-ft | 193 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,798 cc | 3,528 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.2 sec | 7.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,028 lbs | 2,255 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,311 mm | 2,311 mm |
| Length | 3,886 mm | 3,886 mm |
| Units Produced | 513,272 | 2,591 |
| Original MSRP | $2,650 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $70,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 6/10 |
Numbers favor the 1973 MG MGB GT V8 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the MG MGB. The 1962 and 1973 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1973 MG MGB GT V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 137 hp compared to 95 hp, a 42-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 MGB GT V8 relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 3,528 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1973 MG MGB GT V8 edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 11.2 seconds. The MG MGB carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 227 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,591 units built, the 1973 MG MGB GT V8 is considerably scarcer than the MG MGB's 513,272 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 MG MGB GT V8 commands a significant premium over the 1962 MG MGB Roadster Mk I, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.