They are both very, very British. They are both very, very quaint. They are also both getting very, very expensive. However, with the two offering the same but being oh-so-different, surely there has to be a victor at the spoils?
The Looks
Both look fantastic. There is no question about it. The Morgan harks back to the era of Agatha Christie and the Charleston while the TR6 is a product of the swinging 1960’s and early 1970’s - before British Leyland ruined everything.
With swooping curves embellishing both sets of bodywork and period details decorating the interior with chrome and woodwork abound, it is difficult not to fall in love with these, especially as the drop-dead gorgeous looks are amplified with the excitement of open-air driving. Choosing between them is like trying to choose between Kylie and Dannii Minogue, or Dave and James Franco.
So we won’t.
The Power
The TR6 holds a 0-60mph time of around 8 seconds, with 150 bhp and a top speed close to 120mph. Impressive? Hell yes it is, but the Morgan holds a 0-60mph time of closer to 6 seconds, with well above 170bhp and a top speed little over 125mph.
However, with all this power it can affect the handling…
The Handling
Things get a bit choppy for the Morgan here, as it’s far from a comfortable ride. The TR6 is no magic carpet either, and both will punish your spine on a long journey to beyond discomfort, but even the youngest of these cars are pushing 40 years old – so it’s to be expected.
Hit a bump or pothole in either of them and you will suffer for it instantly. However, thanks to this you can feel everything on the road with progressive feedback form the steering.
As a driving experience, these two rack up a formidable impression for tail happy chaos; you do need to be wary of over steer from both these beasts. Spirited attempts at wet roundabouts or planting the brakes on a speedy corner will result in heart stopping flashes as the car spins. Many a Morgan and TR6 have met their makers on such experiences. However, treat them gently and the handling quirks are great fun, filling these cars full of character.
The Interior
Both have the traditional hallmarks of each brand; the TR6 has a dashboard made out of the finest tree money can buy. The Morgan Plus 8 is swathed in leather and features dials that look as if they were salvaged from a fighter-bomber. They are both very nice places to sit, like sitting in Inspector Morse’s favourite pub. However, as a mixture between all the aspects of luxury, the Triumph clinches it.
Living with Them
Old soft-top cars are not practical. You can fit two people in the cabin and a suitcase in the boot. And that’s it. They return fuel mileage that would make modern car owners scream and faint, they need serious looking after and ideally should be garaged all year round. Don’t panic through, parts are cheap and clubs cater for your automotive needs in times of trouble.
As for using them frequently, they will both undertake a distance drive for fun and aren’t that difficult to care for. They shouldn’t bankrupt you either, while keeping up with modern traffic is a laidback effort – allowing easy ownership and great fun into the bargain.
Summary
So, how have they stacked up then? The TR6 suffers from a harsh ride and the usual classic car image, but it is such a giggle to drive around in that you forgive it the little foibles. The Morgan suffers from the same ride comfort issues but, again, is engaging in its effortless performance and always puts a smile on your face.
Both are as hopelessly impractical as each other, with similar fuel consumption, size and handling ability. Stalemate? Pretty much. However, there has to be a winner and out of the two of them, although it is agonisingly close, we’d choose the Triumph TR6.
Check out Triumph TR6s for sale here. Fancy a Morgan Plus 8 instead? There are curently 18 for sale here.