2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Morgan 4
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Morgan 4. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 480 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Morgan 4. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Morgan 4 | |
Make | Mazda | Morgan |
Model | MX-5 Miata | 4 |
Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 85 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 135 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 660 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |