I checked out that book last night. It is the Illustrated MG Buyers Guide by
John Heilig (1997). It says that the 1500 was the first Midget capable of
exceeding 100 MPH. But the specs he gives for the 1500 and the Mark IV
surely don't make that obvious.
The Mark IV has 67 HP and weighs 1500 (roughly) lbs. The 1500 has 55 HP and
weighs 1800 (roughly) lbs. I don't see how the 1500 could be faster. Both
transmissions are listed with the same ratios. It does state that the
Spitfire engine seems "softer" than the A series engine. I think meaning
that the A series engine is more responsive.
I'll still keep mine.
Allen Hefner
'77 Midget
'92 Mitsubishi Expo LRV Sport
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In a message dated 9/20/99 5:43:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
mvheim@studiolimage.com writes:
<< OK, I'll take your word for it! "Ask the man who owns one", right?
: )
I have driven a very original 1275, but not the earlier or later cars, so
I have no basis of comparison, myself. I think you summed it up pretty
well... it's the one you've got, that you like, that's the best!
Ajhsys@aol.com had this to say:
>Jeez! There's always got to be one!
>
>It probably is true that the pre-smog 1275s were faster off the line than
>the
>1500s. I believe that the 1500 had a little more horsepower due to the
>larger engine, so it may actually have a little more top speed. I have one
>book that says the 1500 was the first model able to break 100 MPH. >>
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