1959 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1959 Morgan Plus 4. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1959 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan Plus 4. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Morgan Plus 4 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Morgan | Toyota |
| Model | Plus 4 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
