Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Morgans vs the Rest

Peter that is exactly why I chose a Morgan and despite a couple of warranty issues being fixed at the moment I wouldn't part with it.

Is is the Objective/Subjective argument. For me, when I was shopping for a "supercar", the requirements were:
- Not a 911
- Capable of touring (IE decent luggage space)
- Great soundtrack
- Enjoyable handling
- Decent motorway cruising
- Not frightening to the wallet to own

The main contenders were a pair of Astons (Vantage, DB9), a pair of Jags (F-Type, XKR-S), the Morgan SS and the Maserati GT. Everything else was discounted based on image (GT-R), it being a 911 (911), it being too subtle (Alpina B3 GT3), too quiet (Alpina B6) or too fat and german (Mercedes).

So then cars dropped out OBJECTIVELY - Maserati and the Astons were first to go because of running costs - Maser for the fuel, Astons for servicing. That left the 3 Brits. Objectively the F-Type is the better all round drive. The ride is nicely balanced, the chassis progressive, the interior comfortable and well appointed and its design is modern and of the moment. The XKR-S countered with big numbers, a more flexible cabin (largers boot and rear seats for bags), better ride and a far more GT feeling. It was hamstrung by a chassis barely able to handle 385ps in the 5.0 let alone another 165! The Morgan meanwhile felt the best to drive - thanks to a weight saving of 700kg compared to the XKRS.

At this point the F-type dropped off the list because it simply isn't up to touring - although the coupe may be. So it was a straight fine between the V8 bruisers. In all but the handling the XKR-S won the objective tests - service packs make maintaining one effortless.

But then subjectivity kicked it. Morgans are built <30 miles from where I grew up; they are peculiarly British but in the right way (a trait I have grown more fond of the longer I have been away); and the combination just feels right. The XKR-S when viewed objectively is a better option - easier to get in and out of - a more cossetted cruiser, quieter when needed, better riding, etc etc. It even had "soul".

Morgans will never win a battle objectively - they don't have the R&D budget to get close - but they can deliver something else.

(Having written all that - I am now thinking of another car capable of big mile cruising in relative comfort and has double wishbones all round with inboard dampers)

Mike, Ken,

thoughtful analysis as ever...

The F type nearly made it, but the luggage space is no better than an Aero S3 or 4 and it is very wide. Discounted the Coupe as we wanted an open car.

The Boxter, expecially the latest version, is brilliant, but they are so common....!

I tried the Aeros and didn't like the experience, I can't explain why, but it didn't do it for me. Strangely the Plus 8 did. Logically it shouldn't as underneath it is an Aero with a shortened chassis and a trad body.

Anyway, that is what we will shortly have.

I'm still looking for a single car to replace the BMW Estate and Mercedes E Coupe in about 18 months. Must be/have:

1. 4 wheel drive
2. Able to seat more than 2 people
3. Able to carry a saddle or 2 bails of wood shavings (36" x 20" x 20" each
4. Be a fun, enjoyable drive
5. Not be a truck
6 Cost new less than £50K

So far we have drawn a blank....! Ideas, suggestions welcome. The only thing that might be possible is the new Audi TT, but it isn't really more than a 2 seater.
If it were 4" longer....

Can I suggest something that fits the bill, and is British built as well? How about a Honda CRV? Even a top of the range model with all the gizmos is easily within your budget. The only criterion is might be a bit lacking in is no. 4 - it's perfectly OK to drive, but it's no sports car.

I bought a new one in 2013, and it has been absolutely faultless in the time I've had it. It averages around 46mpg (50mpg+ on motorway cruises), seats 5 comfortably, and is great at load carrying.

You either get it or you don't clearly a lot of journos don't.

They also get spoilt by a lot of cars over a short period of time.

Some folks don't like open top cars some don't like a firmish ride name a car type and you'll find a car type they are not impressed with IMHO I have no issue with it whatsoever people are allowed to dislike what I like it bothers me not.

In fact I rather like that people don't like the cars I drive it makes them that little less ordinary (practical) then it's a pleasure meeting someone who also likes the cars you like!

With some reviewers it is clearly obvious that they get it.

Thankfully we still have a choice.

So bring on those negative reviews I'll look forward to the good ones even more.


You also have to ask yourself who reviews are for? - Certainly not those who have already made their minds up.

Although they defy logic - we love them> Nuff said!

We don't buy Morgans of any breed to be 'predictable'

There would be no fun otherwise and we would lead boring lives

My BMW is predictable

Which do I want to drive? Which do I leap out of bed for in a morning in the hope that it will be a dry sunny day?

Chris Harris does...





He very much gets what MMC are producing but, as has been suggested, I believe you need an open mind and really enjoy driving to get these cars.

I smiled when I saw the tag line for the new Toyota Yaris - something about rediscovering the joy of driving ..............

Peter - I would agree with all of that. Particularly, buying a newer one, M3Ws excepted as I think they need more "hands on tinkering", means that you've a greater chance of jumping in the car and go for a drive rather than just trying to get it started!

I'm glad lots of people don't "get it" as it makes us stand out from the crowd. As others have said, then you find some one who has one too and suddenly you've made a new friend. That won't happen with your Toyota Pius!