2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Morgan Plus 8
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Morgan Plus 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Morgan Plus 8 would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Morgan Plus 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 (187 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2006 Morgan Plus 8.
Because 2006 Morgan Plus 8 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 2006 Morgan Plus 8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Morgan Plus 8 (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Morgan Plus 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Morgan Plus 8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | 3 | Plus 8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
