2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Morgan Plus 4
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Morgan Plus 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Morgan Plus 4 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1990 Morgan Plus 4. (137 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Morgan Plus 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 250 kg more than 1990 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Morgan Plus 4. (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Morgan Plus 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Morgan Plus 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Plus 4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 178 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 | 1170 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2500 mm |
