1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1973 Morgan 4
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1973 Morgan 4. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1973 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 310 kg more than 1973 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Morgan 4. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1973 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |
