A+ are the way of the future, and will see a longer survival of the beautiful A-series engine.

this cant be said for everyone (esp. the doc)
but most people who have an A+ prefer it to an a series. and most people who have a a series like it more then a A+.
i'm a A+ fan, but sometimes i wish i had a A series, its easier (i found) to find parts for A series then A+ (clutch stuff, carb kits etc)
etc etc etc

A-series vs. A-plus engines

The A-plus engine is the result of development efforts carried out on the A-series engine in the late 1970s/early 1980s for the Metro. The A-plus engine was available in 998cc and 1275cc forms, and very briefly in 1098cc form. The blocks and gearboxes were introduced to the Mini range at different times starting in the early 1980's. Key features are:

* Increased block strengthening plus thicker gearbox mounting flange.
* Gearbox and drop gears redesigned for lower noise and increased strength.
* Dipstick is incompatible between A-series and A-plus.
* Alternator brack altered.
* Distributor clamp altered.
* Verto clutch (reduced pedal effort).

A-series and A-plus engines are interchangeable, though gearboxes are only interchangeable if an adapter drop gear is used.