2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Morgan 4
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Morgan 4. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 315 kg more than 1981 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Morgan 4. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Morgan 4 | |
Make | Mazda | Morgan |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1596 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 96 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 160 Nm | 132 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 825 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |