2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. (137 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 481 kg more than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Morgan Plus 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Morgan Plus 4. (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Morgan |
| Model | 156 | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
