1988 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Opel Astra. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 336 kg more than 1988 Morgan Plus 4.
Because 1988 Morgan Plus 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 1988 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1998 Opel Astra (188 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Morgan Plus 4 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Morgan | Opel |
| Model | Plus 4 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
