1996 Mazda 121 vs. 1989 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 71 kg more than 1989 Morgan Plus 4.
Because 1989 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 1989 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1989 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda 121 | 1989 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | 121 | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 991 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2500 mm |
