1954 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 44 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 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. (57 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 438 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.
Because 1954 Morgan Plus 4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1954 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Opel Astra (170 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Morgan Plus 4. (152 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Morgan Plus 4 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Morgan | Opel |
| Model | Plus 4 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2088 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2620 mm |
