1988 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 16 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 38 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 162 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, 2004 Mazda 3, 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2004 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Morgan Plus 4 has manual transmission. 1988 Morgan Plus 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Morgan Plus 4 | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Morgan | Mazda |
| Model | Plus 4 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2650 mm |
