1954 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1978 Datsun 280Z
To start off, 1978 Datsun 280Z is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 280Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 280Z (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 280Z should accelerate faster than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 280Z weights approximately 464 kg more than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Datsun 280Z (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. (166 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 280Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. 1978 Datsun 280Z has automatic transmission and 1954 Morgan Plus 4 has manual transmission. 1954 Morgan Plus 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Datsun 280Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Morgan Plus 4 | 1978 Datsun 280Z | |
| Make | Morgan | Datsun |
| Model | Plus 4 | 280Z |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4399 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2304 mm |
