1959 Morgan 4 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Morgan 4. (33 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 355 kg more than 1959 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Morgan 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 1959 Morgan 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Opel Astra (111 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan 4. (73 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Morgan 4 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
Make | Morgan | Opel |
Model | 4 | Astra |
Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1389 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 33 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 73 Nm | 111 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1005 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4280 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |