75 vs ZT ride/comfort difference

My 03 75 1.8 is comfy with surprisingly decent handling.
My 05 ZT 190+ handles really well for fwd, yet has a compliant ride, not at all harsh.

[mileshawk56]

My findings also Barry, my Facelift ZT V6 180 sport SE auto the same, its firm but it doesnt thump- mind you I came to it from a Rover600SL which was a bit old fashioned suspension wise. Im sure the R75 is smoother, thats what they were built to be. Chris S.

[oldie]

Thank you to everyone who has given their thoughts and experiences. In today’s diminishing market of available vehicles (particularly v6 automatic tourers) I think I need to include the facelift zt-t in addition to a 75. Not that there’s many of either!

[Robson Rover Repair]

Frankly considering how many cars have wrong springs and shocks fitted in them now, never mind how many are still on original shocks also after 15 / 20 years, it's going to be a bit of a challenge to get a fair driving experience.

If it's an early example with the mg hard setup it's firm, very firm, maybe too firm. Later examples are easier to live with and would be what I'd recommend to anyone who's came from a 75. You won't be pushing the car to the limit to feel the difference and yet its simpler to live with.

[BillyMG]

These MGs are definitely bone rattlers compared to my old 75 but I can throw them into corners at speed with much more confidence! So, more fun to drive but not so much fun for my piles

In saying that I do remember trying to steady the old 75 in a corner more than a few times by sucking the seat up between my cheeks so maybe not as good on the piles as I thought!

[Mills2009]

The ZTT is my daily and I’m always amazed when I drive the 75 (still on its original springs/dampers and 16 inch wheels) at how comfortable it is. From the softer seats, to the suspension set up…they just don’t make cars like this any more.

I love the ZT, but the ride is harsh and mine has MG7 dampers on the back (so much cheaper than OEM) which are supposed to offer a slightly softer ride. The springs are genuine OEM.

[2Diesels]

I’ve had lots of experience with both & I love the softness of a 75, on the ZT front I really don’t find them at all uncomfortable, yeah the earlier sports suspension could be a bit crashy but the sports comfort is a nice mix of reassuring stiffness & pleasant ride quality. I have a 260 which I find a bit harsh, yet on a smooth motorway is absolutely fine.
I have a ZT saloon which I’m breaking, but I built it up on a budget using the best of what I had lying around, I used 75 struts with ZT springs up front & ZT-T springs & 75 tourer shocks at the back & it was a corking thing to drive, very comfortable but without the wallowing of a standard 75

[Mgaz]

Originally Posted by Robson Rover Repair

Frankly considering how many cars have wrong springs and shocks fitted in them now, never mind how many are still on original shocks also after 15 / 20 years, it's going to be a bit of a challenge to get a fair driving experience.

If it's an early example with the mg hard setup it's firm, very firm, maybe too firm. Later examples are easier to live with and would be what I'd recommend to anyone who's came from a 75. You won't be pushing the car to the limit to feel the difference and yet its simpler to live with.

I quite like if firm

[Mgaz]

Originally Posted by kelvo

I've had a pre-facelift prior to my facelift ZT SE and I do prefer the slightly softer ride of the Mk2. That was the only thing that I didn't like about the early Mk1 was that it was quite a harsh ride on anything but the smoothest of road, the Mk2 is just about right I think.

Not having driven or ridden in a 75 I can't compare the two though.

I've noticed the same since buying a mk2. The ride seems noticeably harsher in your old trophy blue mk1 190 (just put up for sale FYI )