Performance Review: MG B GT V8 - [1973]

Figures & Specs Summary:

MG B Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the MG B GT V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1973. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1973 Monteverdi Hai 450 GTS and the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.This particular MG B has a 3532cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The B shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the B's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1084 kgs (2389 lbs) this makes the MG B GT V8 in the same weight category as the 2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430 Type 25 or the give or take 50kg.

The MG B shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp)

In terms of power the 3532cc 16V V8 engine produces 137 bhp (102 kW) @ 5000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (134 bhp) or the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (148 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 193 lb-ft (261.6 Nm) @ 2900 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line (184 lb-ft) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (184 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the MG B you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2007 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.8 20v Turbo (151.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the MG B.

The MG B has a Power to weight ratio of 126.3 bhp per ton and 178.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1973 B competing with the 2007 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.8 20v Turbo (151.2 bhp per ton) or the 2004 Seat Ibiza Cupra 1.8 20VT (151.2 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the MG B generating around 178.0 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2001 Mercedes C Class 32 AMG (203.0 lb-ft per ton) or the 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124 (202.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.0 secs, this made the MG B GT V8 as fast as the 2010 Citroen DS4 200 1.6 Turbo (7.70 secs) the 2006 Volkswagen-VW Polo 1.8T GTi (7.70 secs) the 2005 Audi Q7 4.2 V8 (7.70 secs) the or the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt CZT 1.5 Turbo (7.70 secs). This MG B GT V8 is also faster than the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the and the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the B and the 1989 Lotus Elan SE

When talking about the performance of the MG B on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.38 secs @ 83.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1989 Lotus Elan SE (16.31 secs), the 2005 Cadillac STS 4.6 V8 Sport Luxury (16.31 secs), and the 1986 BMW 3 Series M3 E30 (16.34 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1973 version of the MG B GT V8 has a maximum speed of 125mph.

Top Speed of the 1973 B equals the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (136 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1973 MG B GT V8 then how about the 2012 Ford Fiesta ST 1.6 Turbo (136 mph), the 2011 Alfa-Romeo Mito 170 Quadrifoglio Verde (136 mph), or the 1992 Subaru Legacy 2.0 Turbo (136 mph).

Related Links:

1973 B Rivals List.

A Brief History of MG

Car Comparison