Alfa Spider vs. MGB vs. TR6 vs. Miata | Which One Should You Buy? 

Alfa by a country mile. Gorgeous design, twin cam aluminum engine, 4 wheel discs. All have their own virtues but Viva Italia.

Alfa,, no doubt! I've driven a '78 Spider...into my 5th decade now! (since 1986). Everything about the car fits perfectly, for me...mid sized person. You're at the beautiful cockpit of an intelligently put together moving machine that require all limbs to control and direct, you feel as one and together experience the joy of driving together. Arms reach, at a glance, casual cruise that can get sexy too, I've removed my not-needed rear view mirror to open fully the view (why restrict that?). I love that all the gauges are surrounded by chrome, and that they all actually measure something! The gearbox is smooth, not bothersome in the city, and clearly conveys "I'm a sports car" when on open windy roads. Incredible value to cost to joy to frustration ratio over 37 years; just one of dozen things of internal giddiness of getting to have one of these beauties. Before choosing the Alfa, I'd investigated and driven the others - MG too tiny, same with the Triumphs and T and Fiats had bad reputations repairwise. The littler cars were cute, but for me didn't also "double" as a regular everyday car, where I can load a ton of stuff in the trunk and the dog behind the seats (still doing that today). The fuel injected Italian Alfa was a clear choice when I was 20, it's still working out. Love this car!

I've been a subscriber to Classic Motorsports magazine for many years. The articles they have a fantastic. In fact, I remember an article about the guys buying a S2 Spider and driving it thousands of miles home. I owned a few Spiders at the time, but the furthest I had driven one was about 50 miles. So I bought a 1973 from a gentleman near Rochester, NY and proceeded to drive her across country - in July! We took our time and had a great vacation! In fact, we had such a good time, we did the same thing a couple years later with a 1971 Spider - this time in New Jersey! The guys at Classic Motorsports cleaned up some things on their S2 and they wrote about the upgrades. Fantastic!!! These guys pick a car and spend a lot of time making the car right - all chronicled in issues of the magazine. I recommend any car guy to take a look. It's a classic car magazine written by car guys! You gotta love it!

The MGB is my choice , mum gave me her 74 B GT chrome bumper car which she bought in 1977. I'm gradually restoring it , the most surprising thing is the performance. It's completely standard and ran very badly. I've stripped and rebuilt the carbs , it ran better, still not great, checked the ignition timing which should be 12 degrees before TDC, it was actually set to 10 degrees after TDC. It now goes like a jet and with a stainless exhaust with very small first silencer sounds fantastic. People I take out for a drive are amazed by it. And this is the point I'm trying to make. Many classic cars are in a very bad state of tune because mechanics now do not know how to adjust and tune them. When Mum gave it to me Dad said , "the steering is really heavy , I cant understand it. I greased the 6 nipples and the steering is now really light. I think the garage dad took it to for 30 years didn't posses a grease gun. They certainly did not know how to adjust the valve clearances. They'd fitted some new components like a water pump and a fuel pump and a radiator but missed lots of things .

A Chrome bumper MGB is much more "timeless" than the later ones.

There really is existing only one, the Alfa Romeo Duetto/Spider, he has the most intensive character, 2nd the Triumph and the rest nevermind.

I owned a triumph and an Alfa. Had a girlfriend with an MG which I often drove and a friend with a miata. None compare to the Alfa. Power, handling, and comfort the Alfa is way above. I remember the first time I drove the Alfa having had experienced only with Mgs and Triumphs I was blown away as to the power the Alfa had. It didn't seem like any 4 cylinder engine I had drove before. The closest comparison was to a V8. With Weber carbs the Alfa is that powerful.

What a great group of cars! I don’t think any one of these cars could be considered a “best pick.” They all have their high and their low points. Having driven an Alfa and a Miata they are both very enjoyable and more modern roadsters. In high school I always wanted a TR6 because they seem so muscular and raw. I currently own an MG identical to the one in your test( I’ve owned several) and find them to be great, affordable rides. I really think you can’t go wrong with either of these cars. Once you put the top down and feel the wind in your hair as you drive down a windy road, all that matters is that you are enjoying the experience of driving a roadster. There is no better driving experience. Great video, thank you!

I've owned them all. A 1750 spyder for 10 years, MGB, a couple of MX5's and still own a TR6. The Alfa was pretty and I wish I kept it. They're all great. I've still got a TR6 because it goes great, is tough, fun and makes a great noise. Any of them are special though and way better than any EV ever will be.

Next year I will have owned my '91 Miata 20 years. I've had a blast driving, upgrading, and generally owning it. I'll turn over 200K within the week. This car is fun, reliable, and I've loved owning it. Drive a Miata and the shifters on those other cars feel like broom handles. You can't beat that gearbox. Wouldn't trade, but I would make some room in the garage for an Alfa. Those things are gorgeous.

Of these cars I find myself torn between the Alfa and the Triumph (though I also really like the older chrome bumper MGB's). Of course the Miata's have their benefits as noted in the video and relatively speaking they'll always be the great inexpensive alternative given the production numbers. The reality is that I could have plenty of fun driving any of these cars - with the top down whenever possible of course. I love roadsters and am grateful for all of these cars.

Between the years 1973 and 1981, I owned a TR4, a TR5 PI, and a TR6 PI here in the UK. I currently own a '93 MX5 ( Miata ). The MX5 is clearly the more advanced, particularly in the chassis/suspension area, compared to the TR6 here. I've never driven an MGB or an Alfa Spider. Apart from anything else, certainly back then, the Alfa was out of my price range, I didn't like the looks, and I viewed it as vaguely a car for girls. The favourite for me amongst these 4 would always be the TR6. The sound of a straight six does it for me, and the fair amount of low down grunt. Like most 16 valvers, in the MX5 nothing much happens till 4000 rpm. The guys in the video, like most dealers and traders, have great interest in talking up how prices will go on the MIata. In reality, apart from these, for decent, OK, MX5 Mk1's, (other than the beautiful, always garaged, drooled over by their doting owners who never drive them in a spot of rain..., cars.) .., prices will take a long time to go up significantly. Like the MGB, there was just too many of them built.

I have an NA Miata, and TR6 and would love to get an Alfa Spider one day.

Funny thing, I always notice that very few Miata drivers give a wave while most MGB drivers and other classic cars owners do. I like the Miata very much and have always thought it would be nice to own one for an everyday driver.

I've owned three Miatas and three MGBs. I own two MGBs now. A '64 and a '77. Wonderful cars.

I enjoyed reading the story and watching the video, as an Alfa collector I was pleased with your analysis. It is kind of funny that when the Alfa was new it was regarded as a not very good looking car and the styling was derided as boring and kitschy. How times change and the design is now considered classic and the most valuable one is the round tail which earned the spider the nickname cuttlefish. I think you tested one of the best years I own both a Duetto and a 74 Kamm tail and the Kamm tail is really better resolved and has a lot of design improvements. I have several Alfa's and enjoy them but I will say a Fiat 124 gives it a solid run for the money and looks are subjective but an early chrome bumper 124 has more than a hint of 275 GTS in the design is a nice looking car. I do wish you had thrown in a bigger wild card, a Lotus Elan, A Lancia Scorpion or Chevy Corvair. I think the Corvair would have been a good choice of something just a little different. Oh next time go for something smaller Fiat x1/9 or 850, MG midget, Triumph spitfire, Honda S800 and maybe a Crosley hotshot

I’d have any of them, to be honest. But I wouldn’t sell my X1/9 to make room for one, either!

I still have my '72 Alfa, bought it 44 years ago in 1980 and back in the day it was a cut above but like you said, they were expensive. Even in the used market we could have gotten a Triumph for half the price. Today they are all gems but I honestly don't think the Miata belongs in this category.

Mu first car was a TR4A. My second car was an Alfa Duetto. My third car was a BMW 2002. All still in my teens. Now in my sixties I probably would want to have the Alfa again. I was a little screamer and I liked the Pininfarina design. The 2002 was better as a daily car but was still sporty.

Todd put me on the sold list for the TR6. When you decide to sell if I haven’t found one by then . Please check with me 1st . Thanks sir

I have that Alfa since 25 years and every time i open the garage door it takes my breath away

I’d go for the Alfa from this choice, the MGB and Triumph though are very practical old time classics due to the amount of specialists and spares availability . Not really a fan of Japanese cars but I can see the attraction of the Miatta /MX5 are going to be the same as MGs with there strong following/ spares etc . Which of these would I choose , non of them , much prefer Fiat 124 Spider in Euro spec , chrome bumpers / carburettor etc.

Which one is the biggest both in size and inside comfort for a tall guy?

Can't beat a 1974 MGB with over drive . But would take anyone of the four . The B is a great car to get into the hobby . Eazy to work on and great parts availability.

I am too large for the Miata, Like them all. Currently restoring 2 MGBs, roadster and GT

As a Tr-250 owner, nothin like taking it out on the weekend,,,,

Very interesting comments. I'm in the market for my retirement classic car and have (had?) been leaning towards the TR6 primarily based on looks, the torquey engine, and prices are reasonable for a nice one. Surprisingly, this was the lease talked about car by you guys (except how narrow it was). My first car was a '63 MGB so I'm familiar with it. I respect your comments about the Miata chronologically qualifying as a "classic", but my heart says no, it's not in the same spiritual category as the others. The Alfa is the lowest on the totem pole because prices are 2x-3x that others for nice ones and Italian reliability/repair costs have a deserved reputation. Plus, I like the overall looks - inside and out - of the MGB and TR6 better. Bottom line, each one of these cars has a key, almost deal-breaking flaw. The search continues.

Was this video shot in Deltona?

They all have their charms. The Alfa is gorgeous in so many ways, the Miata’s cost of ownership is next to nothing, MG’s and Triumph’s are lots of fun - not a bad choice here.

Good choices for driving "al fresco", but being an Alfista for over 6 decades, my clear winner is the Alfa. I own an '88 and, at 6'1", I have to issues to fit comfortably for hours and hours of fun driving and plenty of storage in the trunk and behind the seats.

Which would you rather have 94 Spider Commemorative edition or late 80’s spider Quadrifoglio?

74 alfa no contest! Pure, no smog trinkets, and 129 horses , the most of all the series…and big smile while you drive it. Also the alfa does not liked to be babied, this car has to be driven as if the cops are chasing you all the time !

These cars are all very cool but none of those engines compare to the alfa twin cam. It sounds and revs like no other. Plus, i really dig that italian style. Forza Alfa Roméo !

The Alfa… to me it’s just wonderful.

The MGB will always be my choice. They have stood the test of time.

Get one of each.

Not comparable directly when they were new was an understatement. The MGB was upper working class/lower Middle class with the Midget being below that. The Sunbeam Alpine could rival both the MGB and the Triumph TR whereas the V8 Tiger version was comparable to the later MGC or arguably the Volvo, Alfa Romeo Spyder on a performance basis of not finish. Certainly the sports offering from Rootes Group was a robust and well built car and with the V8 it gave performance in abundance. The Triumph TR was definitely well etched as a middle class sportscar. Above an MG clearly. The Lotus Elan, Alfa Romeo Spyder and the Volvo "The Saint" was clearly upper middle class. Alvis, Aston Martin, Facel, Porsche 911,Maserati and Ferrari were upper class. The Jaguar E type was lower upper class. Above the Alfa Romeo, Volvo etc but very slightly below the Aston Martin, Alvis, Facel, Maserati. Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda" or 190SL were upper class as was the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. This may seem irrelevant today but at that time it was a very distinct way of working out the hiararchy of the sports car on the English Sports Car Market in the sixties. My personal favourites would be the Alfa Romeo Spyder, Lancia Flaminia Spyder, Mercedes-Benz 300SL , Maserati or but I'd definitely be tempted to a Pagoda. I do love the Jag and the Triumph not only for their charming British styling and charm but also for their sophisticated mechanicals. For the dollar, the Alfa Romeo Spyder was by far the best value performance Sports Car at that time, which provided the wheel heeled buyer a performance standard within and sometimes exceeding the upper class sportscars and making a mockery of the performance limitations of its direct rivals and the offerings marketed beneath them. Handling, cornering were world class. The hooded instrument cluster in the Kamm Tail was difficult to better as was the charm of the rear end styling of it's predecessor, the Duetto. Certain colours enhance the appeal of The sportscars. Silver or Silver Grey or Gunmetal Grey or Argent looks fantastic on the Aston Martin, Jaguar, Facel, Maserati and Lancia. The Red is most suited to the Alfa Romeo Spyder, MGB, Sunbeam Alpine and in a darker shade, the Triumph TR. British Racing Green appeals most on the Triumph and Jaguar. White or Light Silver is most desirable on any Mercedes-Benz SL. Gold looks superb on many of the upper class sportscars.

just bought my 3rd NA Miata. I would prefer the Alfa or Triumph, but either would easily be 5x as much money to match the condition of 1995 Mazda.

The MGB beats the Alpha in the looks departments all day long. I have a 74 roaster with a performance build engine and a 5 speed tranny and it's a blast to drive.

Not fair to compare the Ugly bumper mgb to an early tr6 and early alfa with covered headlights ? Alfa is the best by far , tr6 best sounding 6 cylinder & good looking and Mgb the biggest production

The Spyder makes the others look like Billy Carts

Alfa Romeo regardless of the model makes GREAT drivers cars. If you like driving buy an Alfa. I have a 91 Spider love love the car and I also own modern high end sports cars but like driving the Alfa Spider every bit as much even though it has a fraction of the horsepower and tech. Forza Alfa Romeo.

For many reasons.. My choice out of these 4 would be the MGB, but not the B you chose. It is by far the worst of the 18 year run. Heavy, slow, single carb and smogged, 2 inches higher than the originals, vinyl seats instead of leather, and hideous bumpers. The best of the best of the MGB series would be the first 62, 63.and 64. The B was (pre RBB) light, fun, easy to drive, easy to work on, parts are available and modest pricing. The RBB is not a fair representation to MGB prior to 74 1/2, an entirely different car. The ALFA for style and handling, . The Miata for reliability and modest good looks... The TR6.. "industrial", cramped and a bear to work on. The best of them was the British version with fuel injection giving considerably more horsepower. PS The MGB is not a "roadster" it is a "tourer" this according the MG Factory and verified by all their literature. Of course this does not apply to the GT versions.

Triumph Spitfire.

The FIAT 124 Spider is missing in this comparative. I mean the classic 124 not the modern one.

The current-generation Miata blows them all away. I know because I’ve owned an Alfa Spider and a Jaguar XK-E, and my ND2 could run circles around them. But you will never know the appeal of the current Miata because you could not get into one. In the looks department, I am confident the current Miata will be considered a design classic. To my mind, it already is.

You left a couple of cars out.

You can’t really even include the Miata in this line up. It’s a fairly modern car. How many people will give you a thumbs up or a wave while driving a Miata? With the TR6 I get the thumbs up all the time and people chatting with me when I stop. I don’t believe most drivers of Miata’s get near the admiration of their cars then the drivers of the other three cars do. I would also add that since the MG and Triumph were more affordable then the Alpha, there are more people who had a brother or a friend that had either a MG or Triumph and the good stories that go along with it.

Miata. The answer is always Miata.

No love for my Datsun 2000?! Do you think that's because of lower production numbers than any of the cars in this video or some other reason?

Lame left out the S2000

The Miata rides just like an MGB, but without all the rattles. I tried a Triumph TR-6 and it thrilled me but it also scared me, because it is a body on frame, it felt like the two wanted to separate, but that in-line six, was thrilling. I always wanted to know what the next step was up from these classics and I found it in a 2000 Porche Boxster, by time I got to third gear I knew I had found the next level up.

Miatas are a favorite to cruise Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. That is why you will not catch me in one.

Sadly from 2027 illegal in EU and USA!

The Miata would be at the bottom of the list, way down from the others. Why? Because it's a computer car, not a real car. The others are real cars made out of real car parts. Machines. Something I can relate to and understand. If I had to pick a winner, it would probably be the TR6.

Fiat Spider wins the day😂

The Miata is totally out of place in this comparison.

BMW Z3 should have been included

Nothing repeat nothing makes a noise like a wounded angry animal, oil leaks unreliability and rattles an’ all TR6 beats the lot, end off!!!

Depends of how much pain do you want cause to yourself in life. Triumph = extremly painfull; Alfa = a lot of pain; Mazda = almost no pain.

The ultimate roadster? My vote goes to the Ferrari F430 Spyder.

Lifelong Italian car buff and owner, yet I totally disagree. The Alfa has always looked weak and a little goofy. Far too feminine. The TR6 is EASILY the best looking of the bunch, the most desirable, and the Miata should not have even been included. It's a fairly unattractive car, but nobody seems to be honest enough to say it. A dealer offered me one for under tissue back in 1990 to make up for a problem I had with him, and I sold it three days later. Lame car... The TR6 wins this debate, hands down