Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Plus 4 or Roadster?

Hi, I came across a thread (see below) in another online forum posing the question which is best, a Plus 4 or Roadster V6? It's a really interesting read with one contributor suggesting that recent (post dates from 2014 to 2015) Morgan's are not as well made as they once were. Does anyone else have any evidence of this? Also are there any other views on which is best, especially as a Roadster with a decent option list is in Frontline LE50 territory.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=80&t=1459784

Hello E1A

I had a Plus 4 which was a relaxed and fantastic car.

Now on my second Ford V6 Roadster and it is "more of a handful" but also a super car.

The V6 will become a sought after Morgan as they have stopped building the V6.

I would be equally attracted to Plus 4 or V6 Roadster. Try them both to see which you prefer.

Good Luck.

Are you sure of this?

They are still a currently available model according to MMC
http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/roadster/

I went for a new plus 4, very happy with it. My previous Morgan was a 4/4 and I loved it's lightness, nimbleness and having had several vintage/classics I was familiar to the 'feel' of driving things with outdated technology. The Roadster would have been a step too far away from this for me so it was a plus 4. But I understand why others would go for a Roadster, and it's a great car but I just love the simplicity of just 4 cyls. I would challenge the comment about quality slipping on later models. Mine is well built, the finish is excellent. As its been said before, totally wrong to make comparisons between Morgan's and other marques, just doesn't work. I think a drive of both a Plus 4 and a Roadster would soon show which one hits the spot!

I was told by Steve Morris that they can have V6 engines from Ford until end of 2019 (I think) if they wish.

SteveT, I completely agree, having driven 4/4, Plus 4 and my Roadster they all have their own feel. If could have 2 trads. It would be my Roadster and a Plus 4 Sport (nice and chuckable on those twisty roads).

I have owned 4 different models of Roadster and in my experience the reliability and build quality has deteriorated with each "latest model". My 3.7 was so bad that last week I ceased to be a Morgan owner for the first time in the last 10 years.
Don.

Tell us more, Don..

I went to the factory with the full intention of ordering a Roadster 3.0 litre only to be told that the 3 litre had been discontinued and would be replaced by the 3.7 litre V6. In my ignorance I decided that the 3.7 was too powerful for the light weight of the Morgan and its antiquated chassis and suspension design. Even now after 4 years I still tend to think 280hp is more than I want in a Morgan.

At the time I really tried to talk them into fitting the Plus 4 SS engine into a bespoke Plus 4 but they would not hear of it. I wanted features that were not available for the Plus 4 SS.

Since taking possesion of the car I have fitted a set of throttle bodies, Suplex front suspension, and I am now in the process of fitting Suplex 5 link rear suspension. We have used the car predominantly for touring and have averaged over 1,000km a month. Trips planned this year include a tour of Alsace-Lorraine and a visit to Portugal.

Regarding quality there are two areas that for me were not satisfactory. The main one was the poor quality of the springs used in 2011/12. This led to my interest in the Suplex systems. The other important issue is the poor quality of the dashboard electronics.I have had 4 circuit boards burnt out. I am now in the process of ordering components that will lead to the fitting of a new dashboard and the complete replacement of the Morgan circuit board.

Given the nature of the car I am quite pleased with the quality of the bodywork etc. I have found the car reasonably water tight and a little neoprene placed in strategic places has resolved the only two points of water ingress.

I liked my Rover powered +4 but the 3 l roadster is far better built and for me gives both a docile drive & if needed loads of power.

I agree with Adrian in an ideal world a +4 & a Roadster would be great.