Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 4/4 versus +4

I am tempted to get deeper into Morganisation by eventually putting a Classic next to the MTW in my garage. As pocket money is in short supply it will be a pre owned 4/4 or +4.
Is the difference just the engine and bhp or are there more things making the two types different (assuming similar production year)?
Do I have to pay special attention to specific issues? (maximum 5y old models)

I believe that the axle ratio and gearbox changed in the 4/4 in the last 5 years. The more recent ones are nicer to drive. 0-60 is 0.5 secs difference (factory figures). Therefore the main criteria is do you like a relaxed cruise or are you happy to change gear more often since the higher power / torque of the +4 makes for a more relaxing drive.

Also, if you prefer a narrow car, this is easier to find in a pre-loved 4/4 as you are limited to the relatively few +4's ordered in that configuration or the anniversary models - like DaveW's Bumble.

The body width is identical in both in recent years - width changes are the wings and are a function of the wheels chosen.

Drive both and see which you prefer for your style of driving.

Yes, I'd agree with Paul

4/4 - lighter, more nimble, requires more involvement, better on narrow twisty roads for full-on driving pleasure

+4 - Torquier, more stable, good performance, excellent long-distance tourers. Doesn't require total focus to 'make progress'

If I was looking for another 4-wheel Morgan and had the necessary dosh, I'd be after a Duratec-engined Plus 4 - but that's because I've already got a mental revvy 4/4.

+1

Dave

When I was looking for the car I have now (08 +4)I would have been totally happy with a later 4/4 as once the internal body tub was the same I get the same room, going back to when I bought my first Morgan there was quite some difference but now as someone else said its all in the wings and tyres. I like the narrow look, I like the wider look its all down to emotion when you see the car and you just have to have it. I only saw pictures of my current car before I felt it was just what I wanted, when I saw it in the metal it was a bonus as it looked even better in the sunlight.

Agree about the recent 4/4 being a nicer drive. The MX5 gearbox was introduced in this model in late-Summer 2012 - it gives a much nicer quality and faster gear-change than the previous Ford unit. And you do have to change gear a lot to keep a 4/4 "on the boil"...

One more q:
The 4/4 has a spare wheel "incorporated" while a 4/4 sport does not have one?

Sorry for asking for the basics but I have no Morgan dealer just around the corner with a full display of all models...
I may have to go to Italy or Germany for a car so it helps to be prepared.

Thank you in advance for all your comments!

The spare wheel was an option when we ordered our car - therefore there must be bespoke 4/4's out there that do not have a spare wheel. Not many I suspect though. For me it was an easy decision just on appearance with the practical reasoning being secondary.

As you can ascertain from the advice above it is very much down to personal preference.

The only way to help you make the choice is to test drive both of them over the same route and see which one "suits you" better.

If you already have a MTW, I would probably go for the +4, but a good narrow bodied 4/4 (especially with a mental engine) would also cut the mustard for me.

Hello and welcone from northern germany. As already said before: You should drive both, because they are very different in handling and torque. I had to make the same decision for me last year, you can find a very detailed description of my decision process and road test in my blog in german language: beneviros blog

I am sure that you will find a nice car that fits your expectations.