I had one back in 2002, a ZT CDTi, 115hp. It took less than 100m of my test drive to know I had to get it. The handling was incredible, the rear tyres used to wear nearly as fast as the fronts as the chassis was so well balanced, with sharp steering. It would even oversteer without provocation. I'd have another one anytime. Great cars.
I never comment on youtube but I've had 2 zt's first was a diesel saloon and the second was a z-tt 190 se and i have to say coming from someone who has owned over 50 cars the z-tt was one of the best car's I've ever owned
I was at the motor show when the 75 was shown to the public. In my humble opinion it was a classic there and then. It was not a new old car but a new one that took inspiration from an old one. The MG version took things a step further in the handling and power but for me the original 75 would be my preference,
I owned a ZT 190. Beautiful car, lovely engine. Mine was a British Racing Green and looked superb. Very underrated back in the day by average punters. One of my favourite cars in my timeline.
I had a 75 CDTi in XPower tune and then fitted a RoverRon tuning box, turned up to 11*. The _rate_ at which I got through rear tyres chucking about my pipe 'n slippers saloon like a hot hatch, such fond memories!
Excellent video as usual! This is going to be a bit of a long one. A few years ago, when i still had the space to work on my own cars, I used to own both a Rover 75 diesel and a e46 328i. Personally, i thought that Rover got the interior and exterior styling spot on, so many nods to the P5 and P6, but that the whole drivetrain was a disaster. As aomeone who still has the knuckle scars from changing the accessory belts in the Rover, those engines should have been mounted longitudinally and not transverse, perhaps with RWD too. This would have made them so much easier to work on (i know this may have involved changes to the chassis). Also, why didnt they opt for the BMW 6's? So much simpler and more refined rhan the KV6. BMW, didnt need to worry about it out-competing their cars, as it still would have had a Rover badge, and brand snobbery has always been a thing. Just my take on it.
Despite the lack of funds I think the Phoenix group did a good job upgrading the cars to MG spec - this one looks particularly impressive in red, and the modifications to the bodywork, interior and wheels are tastefully done just like the Jaguars of the same era. The sports divisions of the high end manufacturers these days could learn a thing or two from how it was done back then - aggressive but subtle and not garish.
Great video about the best cars ever made, in my humble opinion. After 9 years of ownership i still absolutely adore my ZT190 and it will stay with me forever.
The ZTs are great cars, I've had 2 V6 160s, my son has had 4 ZTs (including the V8, 2 x V6 and the CDTi). They might not be the fastest cars by today's standards, but they are plenty quick enough and drive very well.
I do think the 75 was a successful design and deserves to be a classic. A couple of later cars that I would argue will be design classics are the Alfa 159 (particularly the Sportwagon) and the little Honda CR-Z.
@@furiousdriving I will say that Frank Stephenson, the man who designed the McLaren P1 amongst others thinks that the CR-Z will be a design classic. He reckoned that the side profile looks like it is tugging at the leash and is ready to go.
Brilliant video. Was a passenger in a friends 75 back in the day and remembered how comfortable it was. Did here the MG rover variant to have was the 180bhp MGZS which apparently had better handling and more grins per mile than the ZT
Interesting! I wonder which handles better, the Rover chassis tuned by MG (the ZT) or the ostensibly Honda Civic/Honda Integra chassis tuned by MG (the ZS)?
I much prefer the ZT to the 75. It’s easier to see just how elegant and attractive the shape is without all those fussy chrome details. It looks modern and contemporary whereas the 75 is very much an anachronism in terms of its image and the MG colour palette was much more exciting than the rather drab Rover colours.
I prefer the 75. Probably because of the more classic styling (i.e. based on an earlier era), with the cream dials rather than white or black, wood steering wheel and trim, and ovals rather than circles. All little design cues that are deliberately less modern-feeling than the ZT.
@@kenneth61 it’s badge engineering for sure, but I think it’s better overall than Some companies do badge engineering …yeah the outside looks tarted up, but the interior was done right. I’m betting if it were sold as a Rover 75 GT it might have got more understanding, but looks aside the ZT is just a better driver…if you want some stability in turning and don’t want cushy limousine handling.
I loved my old ZT190+. Fun to drive yet comfortable enough. However, having driven many 75, I wouldn’t know which one I would take home. Hard choice for me, except they would all have to be the pre-facelift.
I had a new 2003 ZTT 190+ in Trophy Blue. I loved the car, held the road superbly, not the fastest car but you could carry the speed through bends and keep up pretty well with more up market BMWs. It did eat its way though tyres when driven like it should be. When I sold it as a company car came along, it was a very sad day.
Really good comparison test Matt. I enjoyed it. If I were in the market for a different car, I would have to consider both of them. Would be hard to choose...
I test drove an MG ZT260 V8 back in 2005 I think here in Australia. The dealer wanted 50,000 for it with a few thousand KM's on it. Sounded nice and handled and rode very well however it was utterly breathless beyond 5,000rpm. I found it torquey and with it's 5 speed old school manual is sounded throaty however when he mentioned it had a 5 litre USA made V8 I politely returned it and in 2006 I purchased a new Subaru WRX STi in rally blue with the gold rims and big rear wing. That cost me 60,000 but I sold it after only 6 months cause the missus kept stalling it on the clutch. I like your channel. Very good indeed.
Had the ZT-T CDti 135 and loved it. Good on fuel and could really shift thanks to BMW diesel engine. Electrical issues eventually made me get rid after 5 years.
I don't own car but if I did want to this car would be on my shopping list. It seems to be a very successful combination of real "class" with genuine sporting performance. It's a smashing car! Thanks for an excellent review.
If you want the best of both with cheaper insurance, get a mk2 contemporary se as it has most of the zt suspension and quicker rack, but with the cheaper insurance of the 75.
I like the ZT V6 a lot - a friend bought one when it first came out, and it looked and sounded wonderful. I prefer the more muted interior myself. I’d love a decent ZTT…….
Rover 75 1.8T = 1420 kilograms, MG ZT 2.5V6 = 1500 kilograms. The Rovers 1.8 Turbo is the fastest 75 outside the V8. I don't know what tricks rover did, but MG couldn't make the 1.8 faster than Rover's.
I was lucky enough to drive both the X Type and the ZT around Millbrook at launch and the ZT was so much better. So I bought one. It was one of the best all-rounders I’ve ever owned (the face-lift was a styling mess though!)
Speaking of Rover saloons....Matt, is there any news coming about both your Rover P6's? Would love to see them again on the channel and hope the garage is getting some luck with getting oil pressure on the V8!
I loved my ZT. I had the 160+ turbo. Had the engine rebuilt. Was great....then it got nicked...which was not so great :) Still one of my favorite cars.(Was planning on keeping it long term....:p). I also prefer thelooks of the original, over the facelift. It looked so much meaner...
OOOFFF I love a ZT. If I ever move to the UK I would struggle to choose between this or an Alfa (156/159). V6's obviously.... All 3 are forbidden fruits here in the US... I remember seeing a silver ZT when I visited Scotland and I gasped so hard!! You all are so lucky!
These cars came out when I was in my late 20s and I saw Rovers as an older person’s car and a bit Conservative. At that period I drove a Fiesta and later on a VW Golf. Some 23 years later I still think I’m too young for a Rover 😂
Did you try the MG! Sadly I don't think 2023 model year MGs are exactly sporting cars anymore... (In some markets, Shanghai Automotive don't sell LDV, so they use MG badging on vans and pickup trucks. 😧)
I have to get my 75 on the road again, I have had 4 Rover 75 and a ZT. Both are lovely cars. Great to see people not bashing a Rover fir Once. Don’t sell you 75, you will regret it.
Great comparison! My preference would be the 75 turbo but with slightly bigger wheels and tires, a little bit lowered (as if they're going to measure the indicator height with the mot...) and the quicker rack. I prefer a bit of luxury and comfort and also love a sleeper 😀👌🏼
I worked for one of MG Rover's suppliers and the Rover engineers said that the 75 was too good BMW insisted the indicator was as low as possible to make sure it wouldn't be lowered and complete with the 3 series, so it ties up. Once BMW left, they could do what they want.
I wonder how much better the sales of the 75 would have been if they either introduced the ZT from the outset or at least gone with a more modern/sporting approach in the 75 instead of the pipe and slippers wood and chrome?
I always remember on the previous Top Gear, Clarkson asking the audience what cars they drove. One occasion a guy said a Rover 75 ZT, to which Clarkson responded, a Rover 75 then! Hence I always wondered what the difference, if any, there were between the two models. This engaging film clearly indicates there are many. With a tight budget Rover did some key things, dampers, subtle exterior changes and interior stand out. It proves Clarkson was wrong. They are two different beasts. For me, I'm not that old yet, it would have to be a ZT. Fully agree both models are modern classics. Thank you for such an interesting film. 😊
the MGZT 2.5 V6 used different timing tools for the cambelt, ie you set the cam timing differently compared to the 75 version, i never found out what a 75 would drive like timed up to MG spec, pity...
I had a Y plate 190 and then stupidly swapped it for the V8 which just didn’t put the power on the road so went back to another 190. Have to say - I miss them very much😢
I likrd Rovers later MG era and think they did a good job of the ZT styling changes. Cant help but think they went the wrong way with the big brutish V8 though......they should have fitted the coupe 2 litre turbo
It would always be a ZT for me, just nicer looking and more contemporary, and you can go for the v8 which I would. Nice review as always, and nice collaboration.
We had a 160 v6 and a 190 ZT and its a night and day difference. The 160 was pretty slow tbh while the 190 was much more sporty feeling as it had the extra power and shorter gear ratios compared to the 160.
I've got a 190 and TBH the acceleration feels slow as hell. My Rover 45 1.8 Twin cam picks up much faster. You get to 4000 rpm in the ZT and still no kick🤦🤷
I like the both of them. It reminds me of the difference between a Ford Falcon G6E and an XR6 in Australia. One's the luxury model, the other a sport sedan. Great video.
I think they should have chucked in a tweaked turbo lump in it. Perhaps 220hp-230hp with a limited slip would have been a much better option and would have become more appealing than the V6.
Great video. As i watch the video it reminds me of my thoughts on the model. We had the 1.8, 1.8t & 2.0cdti, but the V6 should have been 2.5 & 3.0 not a weezy 2.0 V6. Only my thoughts, but i am a utter petrol head. The V6 in MG as a 2.5 & 3.0 would have drove sales through the roof.
Quite like both of the cars... To me, perfection would be exterior (without the spoiler) and the 2.5 from the ZT, interior and the colour from the 75. Or to have both, always a good choice.
I had the v6zt auto on a 04 reg, my Dad had 75 1.8t on a 53 reg, we were always making excuses up to drive each other's cars, great days both were great cars, l had mine for just over 10 years, sadly went to the scrap yard 4 years ago after being rear ended. My Dad sold his 18 months ago due to a illness.😂😂😢 Great cars.
Wasn’t there a variant with the Ford 4.6 SOHC modular V8 at some point? I think it was called the 260 if memory serves from my international subscription to EVO magazine! ZT 260 maybe? I know it was put back on a RWD system and that bump in BHP really transformed it but perhaps some of you lads can tell me more since you got this special edition 😊
"Peter Stevens who's notable for designing the Lotus Elise". NO! That was Julian Thomson and Richard Rackham, Peter Stevens had left Lotus by then but had worked on the face-lifted Esprit and the M100 Elan.
I noticed you reviewed this near goodwood, are you near by that area then? I have a lovely condition 2003 Lexus GS430 (3uz V8) I'd love for you to review.
I think the only visual issues that car has is that those chrome door handles and drain strips on the roof should have been painted red like the rest of the body. The strips stick out because that are black and chrome has no place on the outside of a sporty car. Those chrome door handles stick out like a sore thumb
The 156 had solid aluminium, less shiny so thats why they worked so well! Painted handles would have flaked pretty soon and looked cheap, so they were stuck
Back in the day you bought an MG because it was cheap and looked good, then suffered all the Rover jokes from your mates and tried to pass it off as basically a BMW😂
I love my lazy, leisurely, sofa-like 75; bought for next-to-nothing from ebay, I didn't expect to like as much as I do. However that ZT looks like a different thing altogether. Tell Batch he has a new sub. 👍
Allowed to die?! Who do you blame, British Aerospace or BMW? I guess BMW didn't really want Rover (or MG) and they were able to find Ford (and then Tata) as the buyer for Land Rover, so that was that and the remaining Rover and MG brands were fire-saled to China.
Think your next Rover maybe a P5b they are ULEZ compliant now due to age but the fuel consumption may well offset the saving, your P6's must be getting close now anyway if not already. You are not that far outside of it so that could be a big money saver for going a few mile up the road for a commission.
@@furiousdriving that’s a shame as such a beautiful car especially the interior,the interior is better than the kz.great videos keep ‘em coming.stay safe🤟🤟🤟🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Just bought a ZT 190. Not impressed I have to say. My Rover 45 1.8 is quicker.... it actually goes when you put your foot down. Much nicer to drive as maybe it will grow on me though 🤷
I had one back in 2002, a ZT CDTi, 115hp. It took less than 100m of my test drive to know I had to get it. The handling was incredible, the rear tyres used to wear nearly as fast as the fronts as the chassis was so well balanced, with sharp steering. It would even oversteer without provocation. I'd have another one anytime. Great cars.
Well it's an BMW e39 chassis afterall. Yes, fwd but otherwide almost exactly the same.
Actually just the rear axel is sourced from BMW, the rest is actually Rover stuff in terms of body as far as I know
I never comment on youtube but I've had 2 zt's first was a diesel saloon and the second was a z-tt 190 se and i have to say coming from someone who has owned over 50 cars the z-tt was one of the best car's I've ever owned
The fact that Petter Stevens and Harris Mann had a hand in the ZT makes it legit.
I specified a ZT-T in a rare colour as a child. Now have a MG ZT in another rare sought after colour and did a video on it 👍
I was at the motor show when the 75 was shown to the public. In my humble opinion it was a classic there and then. It was not a new old car but a new one that took inspiration from an old one. The MG version took things a step further in the handling and power but for me the original 75 would be my preference,
I owned a ZT 190. Beautiful car, lovely engine. Mine was a British Racing Green and looked superb. Very underrated back in the day by average punters. One of my favourite cars in my timeline.
I have a mk2 ZT in BRG
I had a 75 CDTi in XPower tune and then fitted a RoverRon tuning box, turned up to 11*. The _rate_ at which I got through rear tyres chucking about my pipe 'n slippers saloon like a hot hatch, such fond memories!
Excellent video as usual! This is going to be a bit of a long one. A few years ago, when i still had the space to work on my own cars, I used to own both a Rover 75 diesel and a e46 328i. Personally, i thought that Rover got the interior and exterior styling spot on, so many nods to the P5 and P6, but that the whole drivetrain was a disaster. As aomeone who still has the knuckle scars from changing the accessory belts in the Rover, those engines should have been mounted longitudinally and not transverse, perhaps with RWD too. This would have made them so much easier to work on (i know this may have involved changes to the chassis). Also, why didnt they opt for the BMW 6's? So much simpler and more refined rhan the KV6. BMW, didnt need to worry about it out-competing their cars, as it still would have had a Rover badge, and brand snobbery has always been a thing. Just my take on it.
I run a ZT cdti, 54 plate, had it from new, still use it everyday, brilliant car,
Won't change it.
Despite the lack of funds I think the Phoenix group did a good job upgrading the cars to MG spec - this one looks particularly impressive in red, and the modifications to the bodywork, interior and wheels are tastefully done just like the Jaguars of the same era. The sports divisions of the high end manufacturers these days could learn a thing or two from how it was done back then - aggressive but subtle and not garish.
Great video about the best cars ever made, in my humble opinion. After 9 years of ownership i still absolutely adore my ZT190 and it will stay with me forever.
The ZTs are great cars, I've had 2 V6 160s, my son has had 4 ZTs (including the V8, 2 x V6 and the CDTi). They might not be the fastest cars by today's standards, but they are plenty quick enough and drive very well.
You should get a ZT-T to replace the 75. The extra space would be good for all the shows you go too.
Had a 2.0d 75 and a 1.8t mg-zt 160+ loved them both, the zt is an awesome car for the money, definitely have another one
My first car was a Rover 75 and after 3-4 cars I have driven so far, I said this is the best and most comfortable car in the world.
I do think the 75 was a successful design and deserves to be a classic. A couple of later cars that I would argue will be design classics are the Alfa 159 (particularly the Sportwagon) and the little Honda CR-Z.
Agree on both, the 159 is stunningly beautiful and CR-Z a fascinating car
@@furiousdriving I will say that Frank Stephenson, the man who designed the McLaren P1 amongst others thinks that the CR-Z will be a design classic. He reckoned that the side profile looks like it is tugging at the leash and is ready to go.
Brilliant video. Was a passenger in a friends 75 back in the day and remembered how comfortable it was. Did here the MG rover variant to have was the 180bhp MGZS which apparently had better handling and more grins per mile than the ZT
Interesting! I wonder which handles better, the Rover chassis tuned by MG (the ZT) or the ostensibly Honda Civic/Honda Integra chassis tuned by MG (the ZS)?
I much prefer the ZT to the 75. It’s easier to see just how elegant and attractive the shape is without all those fussy chrome details. It looks modern and contemporary whereas the 75 is very much an anachronism in terms of its image and the MG colour palette was much more exciting than the rather drab Rover colours.
I prefer the 75. Probably because of the more classic styling (i.e. based on an earlier era), with the cream dials rather than white or black, wood steering wheel and trim, and ovals rather than circles. All little design cues that are deliberately less modern-feeling than the ZT.
I really appreciate the 75, but pretty sure I would actually buy the ZT were one of each sitting on the dealer’s forecourt!
No that looked more like a homestyled garagekitt, and a spoiler on that beautiful shaped boot.
@@kenneth61 it’s badge engineering for sure, but I think it’s better overall than Some companies do badge engineering …yeah the outside looks tarted up, but the interior was done right. I’m betting if it were sold as a Rover 75 GT it might have got more understanding, but looks aside the ZT is just a better driver…if you want some stability in turning and don’t want cushy limousine handling.
I loved my old ZT190+. Fun to drive yet comfortable enough. However, having driven many 75, I wouldn’t know which one I would take home. Hard choice for me, except they would all have to be the pre-facelift.
I had a new 2003 ZTT 190+ in Trophy Blue. I loved the car, held the road superbly, not the fastest car but you could carry the speed through bends and keep up pretty well with more up market BMWs. It did eat its way though tyres when driven like it should be.
When I sold it as a company car came along, it was a very sad day.
Bought my ZT 190+ with the intention of only keeping it 6 months… 2 years on and I have no intention of selling it any time soon! Such good cars.
Really good comparison test Matt. I enjoyed it. If I were in the market for a different car, I would have to consider both of them. Would be hard to choose...
I test drove an MG ZT260 V8 back in 2005 I think here in Australia. The dealer wanted 50,000 for it with a few thousand KM's on it. Sounded nice and handled and rode very well however it was utterly breathless beyond 5,000rpm. I found it torquey and with it's 5 speed old school manual is sounded throaty however when he mentioned it had a 5 litre USA made V8 I politely returned it and in 2006 I purchased a new Subaru WRX STi in rally blue with the gold rims and big rear wing. That cost me 60,000 but I sold it after only 6 months cause the missus kept stalling it on the clutch. I like your channel. Very good indeed.
Had the ZT-T CDti 135 and loved it. Good on fuel and could really shift thanks to BMW diesel engine. Electrical issues eventually made me get rid after 5 years.
I always thought the ZT was a very. clever set of changes from the 75. They almost created another car.
Excellent detailed review. I learnt a lot, thanks....Still holding out for an XJ6 V6 but a ZT ticks a lot of boxes!
I don't own car but if I did want to this car would be on my shopping list. It seems to be a very successful combination of real "class" with genuine sporting performance. It's a smashing car! Thanks for an excellent review.
This car?
Rover? Or MG?
If you want the best of both with cheaper insurance, get a mk2 contemporary se as it has most of the zt suspension and quicker rack, but with the cheaper insurance of the 75.
I like the ZT V6 a lot - a friend bought one when it first came out, and it looked and sounded wonderful. I prefer the more muted interior myself. I’d love a decent ZTT…….
Rover 75 1.8T = 1420 kilograms, MG ZT 2.5V6 = 1500 kilograms. The Rovers 1.8 Turbo is the fastest 75 outside the V8. I don't know what tricks rover did, but MG couldn't make the 1.8 faster than Rover's.
I was lucky enough to drive both the X Type and the ZT around Millbrook at launch and the ZT was so much better. So I bought one. It was one of the best all-rounders I’ve ever owned (the face-lift was a styling mess though!)
Speaking of Rover saloons....Matt, is there any news coming about both your Rover P6's? Would love to see them again on the channel and hope the garage is getting some luck with getting oil pressure on the V8!
I loved my ZT. I had the 160+ turbo. Had the engine rebuilt. Was great....then it got nicked...which was not so great :) Still one of my favorite cars.(Was planning on keeping it long term....:p). I also prefer thelooks of the original, over the facelift. It looked so much meaner...
OOOFFF I love a ZT. If I ever move to the UK I would struggle to choose between this or an Alfa (156/159). V6's obviously.... All 3 are forbidden fruits here in the US... I remember seeing a silver ZT when I visited Scotland and I gasped so hard!! You all are so lucky!
These cars came out when I was in my late 20s and I saw Rovers as an older person’s car and a bit Conservative. At that period I drove a Fiesta and later on a VW Golf. Some 23 years later I still think I’m too young for a Rover 😂
Did you try the MG!
Sadly I don't think 2023 model year MGs are exactly sporting cars anymore... (In some markets, Shanghai Automotive don't sell LDV, so they use MG badging on vans and pickup trucks. 😧)
I have to get my 75 on the road again, I have had 4 Rover 75 and a ZT. Both are lovely cars. Great to see people not bashing a Rover fir Once.
Don’t sell you 75, you will regret it.
I wish I could keep it, its such a lovely thing to be in but space and money are in charge
Great comparison! My preference would be the 75 turbo but with slightly bigger wheels and tires, a little bit lowered (as if they're going to measure the indicator height with the mot...) and the quicker rack. I prefer a bit of luxury and comfort and also love a sleeper 😀👌🏼
Got mine lowered on eibach pro's and 18" 11spokes 😎
Probably easier to put 75 interior parts in to a ZT, but yes the sports chassis and comfort cabin would be perfect
@@furiousdriving but I want the normal 75 exterior, not the boy racer ZT 😀
I like MGs my uncle had the ZS. It's amazing mgs and rovers are so identical 😊
As far as I'm aware, the later 75's had the ZT steering rack anyway. Cost cutting again
I worked for one of MG Rover's suppliers and the Rover engineers said that the 75 was too good BMW insisted the indicator was as low as possible to make sure it wouldn't be lowered and complete with the 3 series, so it ties up.
Once BMW left, they could do what they want.
I love the design of the pre facelift 75, including the MG ZT. Stunning car, love the aggressive front! Another great review Matt.
yes the original was so much better looking!
I've owned both, great cars. Loved driving them both at night, great dials beautifully illiminated, and so comfortable, much missed.
I wonder how much better the sales of the 75 would have been if they either introduced the ZT from the outset or at least gone with a more modern/sporting approach in the 75 instead of the pipe and slippers wood and chrome?
I drove a ZT190 at NEC motor show 20 years back, taster test drive. I liked it, even though it was a quick pop around an empty car park.
I always remember on the previous Top Gear, Clarkson asking the audience what cars they drove. One occasion a guy said a Rover 75 ZT, to which Clarkson responded, a Rover 75 then! Hence I always wondered what the difference, if any, there were between the two models. This engaging film clearly indicates there are many. With a tight budget Rover did some key things, dampers, subtle exterior changes and interior stand out. It proves Clarkson was wrong. They are two different beasts. For me, I'm not that old yet, it would have to be a ZT. Fully agree both models are modern classics. Thank you for such an interesting film. 😊
the MGZT 2.5 V6 used different timing tools for the cambelt, ie you set the cam timing differently compared to the 75 version, i never found out what a 75 would drive like timed up to MG spec, pity...
I had a Y plate 190 and then stupidly swapped it for the V8 which just didn’t put the power on the road so went back to another 190.
Have to say - I miss them very much😢
I likrd Rovers later MG era and think they did a good job of the ZT styling changes. Cant help but think they went the wrong way with the big brutish V8 though......they should have fitted the coupe 2 litre turbo
The v8 made the car it’s the only mg I’d buy with a proper engine
It would always be a ZT for me, just nicer looking and more contemporary, and you can go for the v8 which I would. Nice review as always, and nice collaboration.
Whats not to love about this video. Great content as per usual Matt
Love the 75. Adore the ZT. I actually want one. Tourer. Green. V6.
Love rovers, those zeds are all beautiful, batch's car is mint 👌 like new ,lucky man.
I did a VERY similar video comparing my 75 to a friends zt and I agree the suspension makes it a different beast altogether.
Wow. You should have put a picture of coordinated corduroy trousers himself in the thumbnail! You’d have got another 10k views easy!
I had a MG-ZT 190 and loved it.
We had a 160 v6 and a 190 ZT and its a night and day difference. The 160 was pretty slow tbh while the 190 was much more sporty feeling as it had the extra power and shorter gear ratios compared to the 160.
I've got a 190 and TBH the acceleration feels slow as hell. My Rover 45 1.8 Twin cam picks up much faster. You get to 4000 rpm in the ZT and still no kick🤦🤷
Interesting comparison betreen two similar cars but very different
Had a 2003 anthracite zt cdti as my first car, absolutely loved it and definitely need another
Great comparison.Don’t think I could live with the ZT. The 75 with better ride and the plush trim for me.
I like the both of them. It reminds me of the difference between a Ford Falcon G6E and an XR6 in Australia. One's the luxury model, the other a sport sedan. Great video.
Never realised what a great car guy James was. Great interview.
He knows his onions!
I would love to see you review the V8 version if you can find 1.
me too!
IMO, two things that hampered the 75/ZT
1 - It was saloon/estate only.
2 - The Mk3 Ford Mondeo.
Great cars though. I'd like to have one.
imo, instead of wasting money on a V8, they should have thrown money on 25/45 replacement
@@Banom7a
The budget for the latter would have been orders of magnitude greater.
It was money they didn't have.
I think they should have chucked in a tweaked turbo lump in it. Perhaps 220hp-230hp with a limited slip would have been a much better option and would have become more appealing than the V6.
Great video. As i watch the video it reminds me of my thoughts on the model. We had the 1.8, 1.8t & 2.0cdti, but the V6 should have been 2.5 & 3.0 not a weezy 2.0 V6.
Only my thoughts, but i am a utter petrol head. The V6 in MG as a 2.5 & 3.0 would have drove sales through the roof.
The MG ZT 190 is a 2.5 liter and not 2.0
Quite like both of the cars... To me, perfection would be exterior (without the spoiler) and the 2.5 from the ZT, interior and the colour from the 75. Or to have both, always a good choice.
I had the v6zt auto on a 04 reg, my Dad had 75 1.8t on a 53 reg, we were always making excuses up to drive each other's cars, great days both were great cars, l had mine for just over 10 years, sadly went to the scrap yard 4 years ago after being rear ended. My Dad sold his 18 months ago due to a illness.😂😂😢 Great cars.
Going to be pedantic - dials aren't sepia. They are cream...
that is VERY pedantic
Ahh James Batchelor, great reviewer.
Oh thank you!
@FuriousDriving
Did THEY ever drop a v8 in a 75
I swear , iv seen one !!!!! In Manchester
Did J C not drive one ???? Also
they did, a Mustang 4.6
@@furiousdriving v8 ???
Did u use the tea shelf?
With these yo have to use the rear seat cup holder as the front one is rubbish
MGs always felt cheap to me, but its nice to hear they put the work in else where.
Wasn’t there a variant with the Ford 4.6 SOHC modular V8 at some point? I think it was called the 260 if memory serves from my international subscription to EVO magazine! ZT 260 maybe? I know it was put back on a RWD system and that bump in BHP really transformed it but perhaps some of you lads can tell me more since you got this special edition 😊
yes, it was the Mustang 4.6 in it
"Peter Stevens who's notable for designing the Lotus Elise". NO! That was Julian Thomson and Richard Rackham, Peter Stevens had left Lotus by then but had worked on the face-lifted Esprit and the M100 Elan.
Brilliant little comparison between the cars,.my heart would say MG but my sensible head would say Rover (bias as i had 75!)
I noticed you reviewed this near goodwood, are you near by that area then? I have a lovely condition 2003 Lexus GS430 (3uz V8) I'd love for you to review.
I’m in Kent. Drop me an email
Cheers for another great video, I always fancied a ZT never actually owned one, rare as hen’s teeth now.
Nice video, it would be great to see a review of the 75 V8 rear wheel drive version, to complete the set.
That kv6 is such a fabulous sounding engine...
Pity it doesn't go like it sounds 😒🙄
True. There's nothing below 3000rpm's and that horrible, HORRIBLE, constantly failing VIS system...
True. There's nothing below 3000rpm's and that horrible, HORRIBLE, constantly failing VIS system...
True. There's nothing below 3000rpm's and that horrible, HORRIBLE, constantly failing VIS system...
True. There's nothing below 3000rpm's and that horrible, HORRIBLE, constantly failing VIS system...
The front end is honestly very reminiscent of the Holden/HSV Monaro!
This is unreal. I was literally thinking buying one today
I think the only visual issues that car has is that those chrome door handles and drain strips on the roof should have been painted red like the rest of the body. The strips stick out because that are black and chrome has no place on the outside of a sporty car. Those chrome door handles stick out like a sore thumb
The chrome door handles on the Alfa Romeo 156 were perfect. But that's an exception to the rule.
The 156 had solid aluminium, less shiny so thats why they worked so well!
Painted handles would have flaked pretty soon and looked cheap, so they were stuck
@@furiousdriving My dad had a 156 V6 for 10 years. I used the door handles everyday. Never realized they were aluminum. 😂
Back in the day you bought an MG because it was cheap and looked good, then suffered all the Rover jokes from your mates and tried to pass it off as basically a BMW😂
Could we see an MGZT estate on the horizon?
I have a ZT and I absolutely love it
Awesome comparison 2 Wonderful MG Rover Products, Great Video Thanks Matt 👍🏻.
Great team you make, I'd have your 1.8T if it had an auto box Matt., sorry Batch.
I love my lazy, leisurely, sofa-like 75; bought for next-to-nothing from ebay, I didn't expect to like as much as I do. However that ZT looks like a different thing altogether. Tell Batch he has a new sub. 👍
Thank you!
Really enjoyed that, but another sad reminder of the disgraceful way Rover/MG was allowed to die.
Allowed to die?! Who do you blame, British Aerospace or BMW? I guess BMW didn't really want Rover (or MG) and they were able to find Ford (and then Tata) as the buyer for Land Rover, so that was that and the remaining Rover and MG brands were fire-saled to China.
Think your next Rover maybe a P5b they are ULEZ compliant now due to age but the fuel consumption may well offset the saving, your P6's must be getting close now anyway if not already. You are not that far outside of it so that could be a big money saver for going a few mile up the road for a commission.
Ulez is 40 years, so anything 1983 and before is exempt this year, so all P5's and P6's are Ulez 'compliant'
whats going on with the p6 havnt seen nit in months
One these is in my town.🎉
I own an incredible MG ZT 190 KV6 MK1 in trophy blue and it is my pride and joy.
True fully you should keep that rover 75😉😉😉😉
I wish I could...
@@furiousdriving that’s a shame as such a beautiful car especially the interior,the interior is better than the kz.great videos keep ‘em coming.stay safe🤟🤟🤟🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
I think the best car is one that drives like the ZT and looks like the 75.
Nice hhgtg reference in the surfshark ad. Belgium man, Belgium.
you do know what that means, strong words...
Just need to test the V8 now
I would love to see a video about the Lancia Kappa or Fiat Croma gen 1.
No doubt a decent steer steer and well engineered with some BM input. Just couldn't get past the pensioner in trainers vibe.
Fantastic review
Enjoyed it
Just bought a ZT 190. Not impressed I have to say. My Rover 45 1.8 is quicker.... it actually goes when you put your foot down. Much nicer to drive as maybe it will grow on me though 🤷
Always loved both.
You need to have a go in a ZTT