1996 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Morgan Plus 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Morgan Plus 4 (137 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 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 45 kg more than 1996 Morgan Plus 4.
Because 1996 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 1996 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, 1996 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1996 Morgan Plus 4 has manual transmission. 1996 Morgan Plus 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Morgan Plus 4 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Morgan | Smart |
| Model | Plus 4 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 965 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 |
