Mazda MX-5 Roadster VS Morgan Plus Four – Specs, Efficiency & Price Comparison

Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Iconic Design of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster

The Mazda MX-5 Roadster has long been celebrated for its iconic design, which blends sleek aesthetics with a truly engaging driving experience. The 2023-2024 iterations continue this tradition, offering a blend of innovation and homage to its heritage. With a length of 3915 mm, a width of 1735 mm, and a height ranging from 1225 to 1230 mm, the MX-5 maintains its compact and sporty silhouette, making it an agile performer both on winding roads and city streets.

Engine Performance and Efficiency

Under the bonnet, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster offers two engine variants of the SKYACTIV-G range: the 1.5-litre engine producing 132 PS and the more powerful 2.0-litre engine delivering 184 PS. With engine displacement varying from 1496 cm³ to 1998 cm³, the MX-5 ensures a lively performance with exceptional responsiveness. The car's fuel efficiency is noteworthy, boasting a combined consumption ranging from 6.2 to 6.8 L/100km, reflecting Mazda's commitment to combining performance with environmental consideration.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The hallmark of the Mazda MX-5 Roadster is its superb handling and dynamic driving experience. The model’s rear-wheel-drive configuration, paired with a manual gearbox, offers an authentic and thrilling connection to the road. This setup provides a nimble cornering ability and a balanced weight distribution, amplified by a relatively lightweight structure of 1078 to 1114 kg.

Technological Innovations and Features

While the MX-5 Roadster prioritises a purist driving experience, it does not compromise on modern technological enhancements. The latest models come equipped with advanced infotainment systems and driver-assistance features, ensuring a modern and comfortable driving atmosphere. Additionally, the available trim levels, including Exclusive-Line, Homura, Kazari, and Prime-Line, offer various options for personalisation and luxury, allowing drivers to tailor their vehicles to their preferences.

Value Proposition and Cost Considerations

With a price range between €33,190 and €41,790, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster remains accessible to those seeking a high-quality roadster experience. The running costs sit at approximately €925 to €1077 per month and 37 to 43.1 cents per km, reflecting its efficiency and usability as an everyday sports car option. With a top speed of 204 to 219 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 to 8.3 seconds, it offers thrilling performance that is competitively matched to its price bracket.

Conclusion: A Timeless Joy

In conclusion, the Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2023-2024 models continue to epitomise what it means to drive a classic sports car. By remaining true to the essence that made it a cult classic, while integrating modern technology and maintaining an impressive balance of performance and efficiency, the MX-5 is positioned as a formidable choice in the roadster category today.

Morgan Plus Four

Introducing the Morgan Plus Four: A Classic Reborn

The Morgan Plus Four is a remarkable fusion of classic design and modern engineering. As part of Morgan's esteemed lineup, this roadster embodies a nostalgic charm while being stuffed with contemporary advancements. With a remit to deliver an exhilarating driving experience, the Plus Four is both a player's dream and a connoisseur's delight.

Timeless Design, Contemporary Innovation

Morgan is renowned for its unyielding commitment to tradition, and the Plus Four stays true to this philosophy. Externally, its design is a homage to the golden era of British motoring, characterised by its flowing lines and classic silhouette. But don't be fooled by its vintage facade; underneath, the Plus Four houses cutting-edge technology.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Plus Four delivers an impressive 258 horsepower. This power is harnessed through either a manual or automatic gearbox, both transmitting the thrill of rear-wheel drive. With a maximum torque ranging from 350 to 400 Nm, the Plus Four promises an engaging and dynamic driving experience.

The Heart of Performance: Under the Bonnet

At the core of the Plus Four lies a robust 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine that defines its distinguished performance. This setup generates a peak power of 190 kW, providing ample thrust to propel the car from 0 to 100 km/h in a brisk 4.8 to 5.2 seconds, depending on the transmission choice. Truly, it's a machine that thrives both on winding country lanes and open highways.

Weighing in at just over a tonne, from 1009 to 1013 kg, the Plus Four's lightweight construction contributes significantly to its agility and performance. The vehicle's overall length is compact at 3830 mm, making it ideal for tight city corners and narrow country roads alike.

Driving Feel and Comfort

The Morgan Plus Four isn't only about performance. It promises an embracing experience for its occupants, with just enough room for two. The absence of a boot might implore you to keep luggage to a minimal, yet this offers a purer emphasis on enjoying the road ahead.

The interior is a seamless blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern luxury. The seats are upholstered in sumptuous leather, and the dash laid out in an inviting, clear manner, bridging the past with the present. Optional extras allow for further personalisation, ensuring each Plus Four can be as individual as its owner.

Final Thoughts

Price-tagged between €76,900 and €79,990, the Morgan Plus Four represents both a financial and emotional investment. However, it's one that rewards with a unique and unforgettable driving experience. It's a car that captures not just the gaze but the hearts of motoring enthusiasts, enriching every journey with memories of yesteryear while blazing trails well into the future.