1976 Mini MK IV vs. 1981 Morgan 4
To start off, 1981 Morgan 4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mini MK IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mini MK IV would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Morgan 4 (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK IV. (38 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Morgan 4 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1976 Mini MK IV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Morgan 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Mini MK IV, 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, 1981 Morgan 4 (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK IV. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mini MK IV | 1981 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Mini | Morgan |
| Model | MK IV | 4 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2450 mm |
