1984 BMW 316 vs. 1959 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 25 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Morgan Plus 4 (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 249 kg more than 1959 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, 1959 Morgan Plus 4 (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1959 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 316 | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
