2005 Morgan Plus 8 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Morgan Plus 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Morgan Plus 8 would be higher. At 3,945 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Morgan Plus 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Morgan Plus 8 (187 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (165 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Morgan Plus 8 should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA weights approximately 72 kg more than 2005 Morgan Plus 8.
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 Morgan Plus 8 (305 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Morgan Plus 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Morgan Plus 8 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Morgan | Mazda |
| Model | Plus 8 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3945 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
