Owning a Model A vs model T

The Eclector

The Eclector

Junior Member
I'm one of those rare gents who's wife loves cars. She's been going back an forth about a Model A versus a Model T. She likes an open car such as a roadster pickup or a phaeton touring car. I'm looking for some practical advice from an ownership standpoint. Specifically, what is the difference when it comes down to maintaining each and how would you rate the driving experience between an A and a T?
 
Mucho different. Have a friend with a 26T coupe, top speed about 45. Lots of mechanical differences. If you have no knowledge of either one mechanically and no one around to assist what are you gonna do. Personally I like the 26/27 T's but in my opinion not really practical on today's roads/highways. JMO
Paul in CT

Help is available on the Barn, but the T forum not that active.
 
Both are fun to drive. We live in out in the country where we can drive with no traffic. Recently took our 30 roadster for a new plate and rediscover what jerks the average public driver is. My enjoyment is in maintaining the cars. Both can be money pits. I just cant bring myself to restore them to a high level and then watch the paint deterioate, but thats life. As its been said here, life is short so we have begun going on tours and getting more enjoyment out of our cars and the clubs. After 55 years of these cars I can tell you with 100% accuracy that both T and A and for that matter cars need to be driven. Enjoy either or and have fun with club members.
 
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I always felt an A was more driveworthy than a Model T. No comparison in how they were built the Model A is light years ahead of Model T.

Only my thought but I believe a Model A will suit you better especially around the Chicago area!
 
1930marie said:
Both are fun to drive. We live in out in the country where we can drive with no traffic. Recently took our 30 roadster for a new plate and rediscover what jerks the average public driver is. My enjoyment is in maintaining the cars. Both can be money pits. I just cant bring myself to restore them to a high level and then watch the paint deterioate, but thats life. As its been said here, life is short so we have begun going on tours and getting more enjoyment out of our cars and the clubs.
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Yes and the average public are jerks anymore, no matter WHAT you drive be it an antique car or a new KIA doesn't matter. So many people are so into themselves, self absorbed and important, and we are just a nuisance in their daily hectic lives driving our Model A's:eek: Young girls and young women are the absolute stupidest on the road DRIVE DEFENSIVELY!!
 
Oregon drivers, at least most of those I encounter, are friendly, courteous, understanding, and interested in my Model A. I try to also be courteous and pull over when 4 or more cars are behind me on rural roads, and I drive very defensively, recognizing that in any physical confrontation with a modern car my Model A will lose. I usually drive about 30 around town and 40-45 on rural routes. I avoid freeways, though when I have to drive them I am like a sparrow in a room full of cats.

But to the original question, I think T's are beautiful, and I would own one, probably a '26 or '27 coupe, if my loving wife would allow me one more car. But I can't push that issue.
 
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The A's are just all around better. I have no real interest in owning a T unless it is pre-1913 and very correct. Not really as drivable so I could not see myself any farther than about 20 miles from home with one though. The A's I have worked on for the most part trips of a few days away from home I deam do-able with the exception of one A that the owner that skimps on everything and I would not take it much farther than I would take a T. A lot depends on how things are maintained. Rod
 
If you plan on driving longer distances and often, an A is less daily maintenance and safer. I had a 26T coupe, need constant "dinging" to keep them on the road. The steering, brakes, and transmission are continual upkeep. However, having said all that, a T is a BLAST to drive, even more so than an A. Just to give you an idea, some of the things that need constant attention on the T are: Commutator, Transmission bands, Buzz coils, grease cups, wooden spoke wheels, to name a few. Steering on a T is tricky as the wheels go over center if you turn too sharp and its difficult to horse them back. Brand new transmission brake bands can be destroyed in one hill if not used correctly.
 
Got to love a T Roaster!

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If I get the room one day, I'm going for one... even if it only went 20mph... If it can make it to the ice cream shop --good enough!
 
We own a 26 Tudor Model T and a 29 Tudor Model A. The A is easier to drive and has superior brakes. Both are stock and handle about the same . She likes her T and I like my A.
 
would only buy an A............

very difficult to keep up with traffic in a T, unless you are building a "worked" speedster.......... again, just an opinion.
 
Buy her one of each, Valentine's Day is just around the corner!
She then can find out which one she likes the best :-) happy wife!
 
Heck, get them both. I have a '31 roadster, and have had a '26 T roadster and a '12 touring car (phaeton). Had great fun with all of them, but the A is much more liveable in today's traffic. I put over 26000 miles on the 1912 and it was an elegant car, but in the Tucson environment of the time OK in the traffic. Wouldn't probably drive it that much in Atlanta.
 

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Having owned and driven both extensively, I much prefer the Model A for both local driving and touring. The T's were open cars (a roadster and two tourings) which limited my driving to the warmer months while my two closed A's (with manifold heaters) are comfortable all winter long. The safety belts that I have installed in the Model A's give the occupants a feeling of security that wasn't there when using the T's.

Gar Williams
 
IF you go model T just know that they will require a totally different driving skills set from the model A with its more modern (and now standard) control system. Although It would be fun to go somewhere with valet parking and watch the valet stare hopelessly at the three pedals on the floor - NONE of which is a gas pedal! :D
 
I gave my answer in the "T" section. On the Valet note, when my daughter got married
Two years ago we used my 1915 center door sedan in the wedding. When I pulled up to the
Hotel in San Francisco they told me they had to valet park it. It is a hand crank car, I got
out of the car and said the key is in it and went up to my room. The phone rang and I didn't
answer it. When I came down several hours later it was still in the same spot. Funny thing
They let me park it myself.........
 
After reading helpful T and A concerned responses herein and also on T forums, physically seeing and driving one or more of each will no doubt be most educational and worthwhile in making a final, prudent decision ...... then choose exactly what you and your wife feel best fits your particular interest ...... really, not much different from buying any other different kind of vehicle.
 
Get an "A" even for those of us not so mechanically inclined it'll like a big model and there's a lot of parts available to keep it going.....I think you could keep up slightly better with modern traffic in an "A" than with a "T"......unless you keep to back roads everywhere you go.

As rugged as a "T" is, I think the "A" has a bit more get-up-and-go!!!
 
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