Cortina v. Morris 1100

Sir,

Your readers should not be misled by the biased letter of John MacPherson on the M.G. 1100. The whole letter smacks at the Ford Sales School and carefully avoids awkward subjects like the ridiculous range of the Cortina GT, a bare 200 miles.

To get the facts straight on the M.G. 1100:

Steering—This is stiff when new, but when run-in is light yet precise. Note it is rack-and-pinion not recirculating ball as Cortina—’nuff said!

Gearbox—Also stiff new but run-in is nothing less than delightful.

Petrol consumption—On an 800 miles check on holiday 33.5 m.p.g. was recorded (including M 1) with five people up (and luggage, there and back). This compares with 25 to 26 with Cortina under same conditions.

Depreciation—M.B.C. say the 1100s will be in production for 10 years, can the same be said of the “cart-sprung” Cortina?

Acceleration—I agree, but the Cortina GT has 1,498 c.c. Why not consider the Mini-Cooper “S” and save £70?

The Ford Cortina GT is a good buy but so is the M.G. 1100, and I chose the latter for its cornering and long journey comfort and after 13,000 no serious complaints. Incidentally I was offered £300 for my 1960 Mini by Ford and B.M.C. agents, but that was in England!

E.S. Sapcote.
Birmingham.