1988 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 13 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 46 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, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Morgan Plus 4 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Morgan | Smart |
| Model | Plus 4 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
