1983 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1998 Morgan Plus 4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1998 Morgan Plus 4.
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, 1998 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1998 Morgan Plus 4 has manual transmission. 1998 Morgan Plus 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1998 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 316 | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
