31 Model A
Well-known member
Model T's are for old farts..............Model A owners are hip, cool and drink Dos Equis....
Stay thirsty my friends.
Stay thirsty my friends.
Owning a Model A vs model T
- Thread starter The Eclector
- Start date
Mike V. Florida
Well-known member
I have pretty much the same opinion as the others.
The A drives and shifts pretty much like a modern car. Gas pedal, clutch pedal, brake pedal and parking brake that has nothing to do except stop the car transmission tower to shift gears.
The T has three pedals and no gas pedal. There is no transmission lever as one pedal is for low speed, neutral, high speed. One pedal for reverse. A pedal for the brake and the brake lever also places the car in neutral. The only gas in on the column. Not intuitive by any means.
The engine and transmission is in the same housing. There is a magneto and coil boxes to provide spark.
This is in no way to say one is better then another but there are major differences in the two.
My suggestion to you, define how you want to use the car, where you want to drive it and when (the stock T is about 1/2 the max speed of and A) then you can decide which is better.
Test driver, drives a model T
The A drives and shifts pretty much like a modern car. Gas pedal, clutch pedal, brake pedal and parking brake that has nothing to do except stop the car transmission tower to shift gears.
The T has three pedals and no gas pedal. There is no transmission lever as one pedal is for low speed, neutral, high speed. One pedal for reverse. A pedal for the brake and the brake lever also places the car in neutral. The only gas in on the column. Not intuitive by any means.
The engine and transmission is in the same housing. There is a magneto and coil boxes to provide spark.
This is in no way to say one is better then another but there are major differences in the two.
My suggestion to you, define how you want to use the car, where you want to drive it and when (the stock T is about 1/2 the max speed of and A) then you can decide which is better.
Test driver, drives a model T
newshirt
Well-known member
IMHO, the question all comes down to drivability in modern traffic. Sadly, the T is just too slow for all but country driving. Very fun, but just unworkable in most cities.
Live in a rural town? Or have immediate access to country roads? Then the T is great.
I believe the A is not far behind. It's hard for me to take the A anywhere without holding up dozens of impatient drivers, pulling off, or driving illegally on the shoulder, and constantly watching my mirrors. They drive 80 on state highways with 65 speed limits, and 90 on the Interstate. My fastest A only goes 60.
Try driving 45 on the roads around your house and see what reaction you get!
We're thinking of going to a 50's or 60's era car because the A clubs have all aged out, and we're not getting a lot of love at local car shows. So why own the car?
We own it just for personal interest and personal driving, not from any camaraderie we get from other owners. Guess we live in the wrong state for A's and T's.
But I believe I'll always own an A, even when they become unusable in modern traffic.
Live in a rural town? Or have immediate access to country roads? Then the T is great.
I believe the A is not far behind. It's hard for me to take the A anywhere without holding up dozens of impatient drivers, pulling off, or driving illegally on the shoulder, and constantly watching my mirrors. They drive 80 on state highways with 65 speed limits, and 90 on the Interstate. My fastest A only goes 60.
Try driving 45 on the roads around your house and see what reaction you get!
We're thinking of going to a 50's or 60's era car because the A clubs have all aged out, and we're not getting a lot of love at local car shows. So why own the car?
We own it just for personal interest and personal driving, not from any camaraderie we get from other owners. Guess we live in the wrong state for A's and T's.
But I believe I'll always own an A, even when they become unusable in modern traffic.
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Well-known member
Interesting comments indeed. I like the ones about not keeping up with Model-As, or cannot do long trips. From my experiences, I find that a well restored Model-T requires less upkeep than a typically 'restored' Model-A.
mlp623
Senior Member
Agree with the comments. There are a lot of good videos on YouTube about starting, driving, maintaining both model As and Model Ts. This can give you an idea of the pros and cons of each. This is one of my favorites about a T
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OjQlnE6zBg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OjQlnE6zBg
caboose
Senior Member
My wife wanted a Model T, so I suggested that she take a ride in one owned by one of her colleagues. After her ride, I pointed out that the location of the clutch, brake, and gas pedals, and gear shift pattern, were the same as the Ford pickup she drove growing up on an East Texas farm. She was sold on Model A’s.
Both are great cars and I own both. The A is way more practical, just jump in and drive it 50 miles. I have to get ready to take the T 50 miles. The car is not unreliable, I just have to pick a slow route and give myself more time. A comfortable driving speed for me in the T is 30mph or less (it only has rear brakes). The T can be pretty slow (actually very slow) going up steep hills (we have plenty around here). Having said that, it is loads of fun. I thought I would just drive an A and sold my T, I missed it so much I bought another within a few months. I have taken the T to a couple local car shows and people will walk right past Corvettes and expensive muscle cars to look at the T. It is a crowd pleaser. Anyway, pick the one you think would be most fun. Contact your local A & T clubs (note the order I put that in ), I'd bet someone will be willing to show your their car and give you a chance to ride it it.
), I'd bet someone will be willing to show your their car and give you a chance to ride it it.
Royce P
Senior Member
A Model A is much more complex, and you need a lot more basic knowledge to restore or adjust things on the Model A. For example, the mechanical brake system on the Model A can be safe and effective - if you know how to set it up. If not adjusted properly it can be flat out dangerous. The Model A is a car that is designed to operate at typical city speeds, with 60 MPH being a crazy fast but attainable number. You are not going to be safe or comfortable on most highways.
Model T's are slower cars. In general you need to operate a T as if it has no brakes, because the brakes are not very good. Aftermarket brake systems are available for both Model A and Model T. In the case of a Model T this is something that you really want to have. Model T's are able to go 50 - 55MPH, but are not safe at that speed. You should plan on a cruising speed of 30 - 35 MPH, and avoid any highways.
In general the T's are more fun to tour with, and break down less frequently, and require less maintenance.
Model T's are slower cars. In general you need to operate a T as if it has no brakes, because the brakes are not very good. Aftermarket brake systems are available for both Model A and Model T. In the case of a Model T this is something that you really want to have. Model T's are able to go 50 - 55MPH, but are not safe at that speed. You should plan on a cruising speed of 30 - 35 MPH, and avoid any highways.
In general the T's are more fun to tour with, and break down less frequently, and require less maintenance.
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
Interesting, respectable Forum responses & opinions.
There is a reason as to why we see:
a. Different vehicle manufacturers on highways; and,
b. Different car colors & styles; and,
c. Different engine horsepower & different drive trains; and last but not least,
d. Always different varying very interesting opinions on this and all other Hobby Forums.
There is a reason as to why we see:
a. Different vehicle manufacturers on highways; and,
b. Different car colors & styles; and,
c. Different engine horsepower & different drive trains; and last but not least,
d. Always different varying very interesting opinions on this and all other Hobby Forums.
Bruce Adams
Well-known member
I do not particularly disagree with anything said above but I have observed thirty or forty Model A's show up at most parades and events here, and five or six at the weekly cruise-ins, but Model T's are scarce like hens' teeth here on Long Island. I have also observed a number of Model T's being trailored to local events, while the A's will drive hundreds of miles.
I do not know if its due to the driveability of the Model A car or the owners involved, but you might wish to ask your local Model A and Model T clubs about this.
I do not know if its due to the driveability of the Model A car or the owners involved, but you might wish to ask your local Model A and Model T clubs about this.
Sunnybrook Farm
Senior Member
I have driven A's since the early 70s but have become interested in getting a T going to use as an off road vehicle on farm land. I have creeks to cross and rough roads, places I would tear the rear fenders up on an A. The T is really the first ATV so that is my plans. Obviously I don't want to put a pristine show car in such a role but they could handle it a lot better than one of my model A's. The strength of model T's is that it was made for primitive roads of 100 years ago so if you have a place like that, it might be a fun car to try.
Willie Krash
Well-known member
I too agree with all. I have a 1920T and a 30A.
Now where I live when I drive the A people notice somewhat. The Model T however is like a UFO to people. They will mob you at the gas station. Taking the seat out to fill 'er up knocks people out.
If you like attention the T is your car. I will keep my A over the T however.
Now where I live when I drive the A people notice somewhat. The Model T however is like a UFO to people. They will mob you at the gas station. Taking the seat out to fill 'er up knocks people out.
If you like attention the T is your car. I will keep my A over the T however.
mshmodela
Well-known member
IMHO, the question all comes down to drivability in modern traffic. Sadly, the T is just too slow for all but country driving. Very fun, but just unworkable in most cities.
Live in a rural town? Or have immediate access to country roads? Then the T is great.
I believe the A is not far behind. It's hard for me to take the A anywhere without holding up dozens of impatient drivers, pulling off, or driving illegally on the shoulder, and constantly watching my mirrors. They drive 80 on state highways with 65 speed limits, and 90 on the Interstate. My fastest A only goes 60.
Try driving 45 on the roads around your house and see what reaction you get!
We're thinking of going to a 50's or 60's era car because the A clubs have all aged out, and we're not getting a lot of love at local car shows. So why own the car?
We own it just for personal interest and personal driving, not from any camaraderie we get from other owners. Guess we live in the wrong state for A's and T's.
But I believe I'll always own an A, even when they become unusable in modern traffic.
In Cleveland, Ohio i.e. city, the opposite is true, i.e. city speed limits are 25 and 35 mph --just perfect for an A or a T... It's out in the country where the default is 55 mph... The reactions of driving my 31' round my neck of the city is all LOOKS and SMILES... Either car is just fine for city since the speeds are lower than the country...
Cool Hand Lurker
Well-known member
As mentioned before, the Model A is a modern car, simple but modern. The Model T is more like a horse carriage with a motor. The construction and suspension evolved from the horse drawn buggies. The Model A was totally redesigned as a motor vehicle and was much better than the Model T.
I have both. The Model T is great for low traffic and flatland driving at lower speeds. It purrs along at 25 mph all day long. Faster than that and it gets louder and the steering gets touchy. The Model A will purr along at 45 mph all day long and you ride in a bit more comfort. With windows that crank up and down!
The Model A will cause people to stop and stare "at the old car" as you go by but the Model T will cause them to point and smile more "at the old antique car" as it goes by.
I would say both are fun but the Model T is more fun because of the reactions you get.
I have both. The Model T is great for low traffic and flatland driving at lower speeds. It purrs along at 25 mph all day long. Faster than that and it gets louder and the steering gets touchy. The Model A will purr along at 45 mph all day long and you ride in a bit more comfort. With windows that crank up and down!
The Model A will cause people to stop and stare "at the old car" as you go by but the Model T will cause them to point and smile more "at the old antique car" as it goes by.
I would say both are fun but the Model T is more fun because of the reactions you get.
Attachments
DougVieyra
Well-known member
So, have you given any thought to a 1928 Chevrolet ? Why limit your selection to a 'low price leader', when for a few dollars less you can own something to be proud of !
H. L. Chauvin
Well-known member
Opinions are solely based on yesteryear's rural frontier experiences & driving a Model T as a teenager:
Can you "ride"? ..... Not a question heard often today in this context.
It was a question "often" asked in so many rural areas to young males and females when a young person asked a "concerned" senior horse owner to try to ride his horse.
Some could easily "ride" ...... some could never ..... for the first time. It took self confidence, analysis, common sense, understanding, command and control of one's reactions to the unexpected ...... nothing at all like driving the easy all alike modern cars that everyone is accustomed to driving today.
Model T's are somewhat different and similar to riding horses ....... can you "ride" ..... can you "drive" a Model T ....... fortunately or unfortunately, most of our lazy modern thinking is so different today when compared to the early 1900's.
I am sure some today can easily drive a Model T for the first time ... and some can never .... even after a week of concentrated driver's training lessons.
Again, nothing like getting in and trying to drive A Model T and/or a Model A .... regardless of what all others herein feel like ...... you ....... as a totally, completely different individual will be able to confirm immediately if you feel comfortable "in the saddle".
Some cannot shoot and hit birds flying ..... some cannot ever play classical music on a piano ..... so what ..... opinions, abilities, and talent will always vary ..... one size shoe will never fit everyone ...... opinions will always vary ..... all above responses were sent in compassionate good faith and all are most helpful
Can you "ride"? ..... Not a question heard often today in this context.
It was a question "often" asked in so many rural areas to young males and females when a young person asked a "concerned" senior horse owner to try to ride his horse.
Some could easily "ride" ...... some could never ..... for the first time. It took self confidence, analysis, common sense, understanding, command and control of one's reactions to the unexpected ...... nothing at all like driving the easy all alike modern cars that everyone is accustomed to driving today.
Model T's are somewhat different and similar to riding horses ....... can you "ride" ..... can you "drive" a Model T ....... fortunately or unfortunately, most of our lazy modern thinking is so different today when compared to the early 1900's.
I am sure some today can easily drive a Model T for the first time ... and some can never .... even after a week of concentrated driver's training lessons.
Again, nothing like getting in and trying to drive A Model T and/or a Model A .... regardless of what all others herein feel like ...... you ....... as a totally, completely different individual will be able to confirm immediately if you feel comfortable "in the saddle".
Some cannot shoot and hit birds flying ..... some cannot ever play classical music on a piano ..... so what ..... opinions, abilities, and talent will always vary ..... one size shoe will never fit everyone ...... opinions will always vary ..... all above responses were sent in compassionate good faith and all are most helpful
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Royce P
Senior Member
We have a guy in our Model T club who tours with his '28 Chevrolet sedan. It breaks down far more than a Model T or Model A, even though it was well restored and is in great mechanical condition. The Chevy is faster than a T when it is running good, but not as fast as a Model A, nor as well built.
rosenkranswa
Senior Member
We have T's, A's, and an Early V8. T is 20hp, A 40hp, V8 90 hp which I think sums up the differences, you can really see the march of progress across the years. The T is probably the most fun, but only on local roads and requires more tinkering, the A is better for most longer drives and keeping up with traffic, the V8 can hold its own in most situations in terms of speed and braking ability. All will turn heads, and all need to be driven as much as possible. Really depends on what you want to get out of it.