1988 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 17 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 527 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Morgan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Plus 4 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2712 mm |
