1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Morgan 4
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Morgan 4 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 155 kg more than 1988 Morgan 4.
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, 1988 Morgan 4 (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |
