1996 Morgan Plus 4 vs. 2005 Opel Astra
To start off, 2005 Opel Astra is newer by 9 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 14 more horse power than 2005 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Astra weights approximately 358 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, 2005 Opel Astra, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Astra. 2005 Opel Astra 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. 2005 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Morgan Plus 4 | 2005 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Morgan | Opel |
| Model | Plus 4 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
