1998 Ford Contour vs. 1989 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 1998 Ford Contour is newer by 9 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 9 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Morgan Plus 4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 322 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, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1998 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Morgan Plus 4. (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Contour | 1989 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Morgan |
| Model | Contour | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1242 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
