2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1989 Morgan Plus 4. (137 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 220 kg more than 1989 Morgan Plus 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, 1989 Morgan Plus 4 (177 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Morgan Plus 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2500 mm |
