Hi there, I've wanted a Morgan for many years and am finally looking into it seriously. I have about £25k to spend on a second hand car for weekend fun.

I was hoping that you could offer me some advice on here as to the relative performance difference between the various models in my price range. The plus 8 is realistically out of my price range but I haven't managed to figure out quite how the plus 4, older 4/4 and newer 4/4 sport compare performance wise. I'm not looking for a rocket but would like some power to play with and a decent engine note.

I drove a couple of older plus 4s and was slightly underwhelmed but that was probably in part because I had just stepped out of the 3 wheeler.

All advice would be very welcome

Thks

who says £25k won't get you a nice Plus 8,
its my car of choice, having had a 3.5, a non cat 3.9 and now a 4.6. if you look hard enough you'll find one.
once driven you won't go back to a 4/4 or plus 4.
http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/search-classic-cars/makes/morgan/

Welcome to the TM.

There are quite a few 4/4 sport owners on TM and they all have good things to say. Just get out there and drive some.

It really depends so much on what you want. If you want an older classic car with everything that that implies then perhaps an older Plus 8 is for you. As the Americans say "there's no substitute for cubes". The only problem is that older cars require continual tinkering to keep them in good running condition. The world has not stood still and even Morgan have made design and material improvements over the years.

On the other hand if you want something a little more modern in my observation there is not a lot of difference on the road at legal speeds between a 4/4 and a Plus 4 of the latest generation. Despite having a smaller engine the 4/4 is quite lively and loves to be revved. Perhaps it is the lower gearing but as I have seen it a 4/4 has no problem keeping ahead, or keeping up with, a Plus 4 on a run over A and B roads. If you want a satisfying sound you can always fit a sports exhaust system.

I have heard some people say that the 4/4 is more "interesting" to drive. Perhaps that is due to the narrower and taller tyres fitted.

Ok! Ok! I will admit a V8 really does sound good, but it also depends very much, with the budget that you have, whether you want an older classic car or something newer with more modern mechanicals and electronics, to say nothing of all the many small design improvements that Morgan has made over the years.

As many have said in the past. The Morgan for you will eventually find you and when it does there will be no turning back.

See the attached.

http://www.rpm-morgan.co.uk/product.php?view=detail&item=71

If your heart is really set on a Plus 8, SGT had (still has?) two that are close to your budget - one under and one slightly over (before negotiation).

Thy must be worth a look.

I've driven both new Plus4 and my 4/4 Sport back to back and prefer the liveliness of the 4/4 but the engine of the Plus4 has better torque and you have to rev it less. My ideal is the 2 litre 4/4 Anniversary model........or of course, a 4/4 Sport with Librands Sports system, lower ratio diff and throttle bodies!

When I first looked at a Morgan to by and keep, my first thoughts were 4/4.
However I had a test drive in the 4/4 and the plus 4 and felt that I had to "drive" the 4/4 whereas with the plus 4 it was a more relaxed drive and suited me better for longer journeys. That's what I bought and have had no regrets.

BTW welcome to the forum.

Many thanks for all the responses. All very interesting. The big V8 will always appeal ad there are a couple around in my price range but they both have serious mileage on them which makes me think twice.

Its is very hard when all the cars available look fantastic irrespective of the engine size.

I think I need to drive a 4/4 Sport to compare with the Plus 4s I have already driven. I had thought they woudl be out of my price range but I have seen one not too far north of 25k and I do love the lightweight look, battleship grey paint with saddle leather.

But Jay, who has a car like that?