Model A Ford vs. Flathead Ford

B

BlueSunoco

Well-known member
I posted this on the Model A side too,,,, to be fair, which would you choose for an all around driving car to maintain and keep, a Model A Ford or a pre-War Ford flattie, and why? Money not being a factor, assuming both cars are restored and ready to drive no issues involved.
 
I got a 36 pickup and a 29 A Roadster, the A has some modifications to it. but it still has the banger motor in it. the two is like comparing oranges and apples. I love to drive both, they are a lot of fun!
 
Agree with Brendan, have a 41 pickup and a 29 Roadster, I tell people it is like horse back riding or rocket to the moon when you drive the 29 compared to the 41, both a lot of fun!
 
I have both model A's and v-8s. As itsa 52 points out, the A's are pretty cramped. My experience is that model A s are quite reliable and there are fewer problems with the A's because it's a simpler machine. I love my model A's but love the looks of the 34s and 1940s because of the styling.
donQ
 
I've had both at one time or another. Apples and oranges. Each is very drivable, but you can't get on the freeway with a Model A.
 
Model A for: cheaper to buy now, the 4 banger "thump", great idle sound on open pipe, love the light 4 block. Reliability? Against: less room in sedans? not much else.

V8: the 8 cylinder zip, great sound on open pipes (look, I can like them both OK?), synchro box, better brakes. I prefer the styling of the '32-'34 Fords, but that's just a personal thing. I don't think the Model A rad shell is so handsome. The only negative of the V8 is will your block be cracked, its all I can think.

Probably not for here, but I would be interested in a discussion as merits of the 4/8 layout for power. The 2 blocks are not far off same capacity, and a warmed up 4 can easily produce 80hp, but is it harder to squeeze more power out of a small 21 studder without losing bottom end grunt?

Tom.
 
I am lucky to own both 28&40 and like driving both around town and interstate
while there is good suppliers for both there are many more for the later models
as well better supply of performance parts
Driving the late model just easier and more comfortable on long trips and a 2nd driver adjusts easier than in the A (I do not know why they just do) that said I preferer getting the best from my A
 
I would like a little of both- a Model A Roadster with a Flathead w/Columbia or Mitchell, steel wheels, and juice brakes.:)
 
The A is my first love and I bought one a couple of years ago. I still love it and working on it. Old cars are a disease, though, and I have had a huge craving for a flathead V8 for something that would have improved driveability. Some of the 30's Fords are among the most beautiful cars ever made. I also have a soft spot for the 49-51s, too.

If I could have just one, it would probably be a Model A, but I hope I will be able to have one of each before too long.
 
I'll go along with Steve, an AV8 is a ton of fun, but late 30's v8s, stock, are the coolest cars ever built! In my opinion.
 

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I can recall when owning an antique car meant you had to have a Model T. Then the A was all the rage, then the flathead V-8. I have owned them all at one time or another and I have to say personally I like owning the flathead V-8 best of all.

But to each his own, whatever turns your crank, you can't paint everyone with the same brush and no two snowflakes are alike...
 
Thanks for the comments all very good. I'm a 'drive-to-the-store' or small trip now and then guy, so I guess I could adjust to a cramped Model A Roadster. The '36 Coupe I road in was a lot easier to get in and out of and I ain't getting any more limber though that's what makes it a tough call!

Again, thanks to all I appreciated the responses!
 
Gee…. i thought a model A IS a prewar flathead…. definitely a flathead….

I'm not splitting hairs… just having fun. You see I have a 32 4 banger so I'm to new for the model A club and feel a little funny belonging to the early ford V-8 club….. The banger is all I know so I vote for it.
 
I own and drive both. I would go with any early V8 car over the Model A. The ride is better with the early V8's and there is also much more room. The early V8's just provide an overall better driving experience.
 
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