1974 Austin 1800 vs. 1999 Donkervoort D8
To start off, 1999 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (177 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1974 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin 1800 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1999 Donkervoort D8.
Because 1999 Donkervoort D8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin 1800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Austin 1800. (137 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin 1800 | 1999 Donkervoort D8 | |
| Make | Austin | Donkervoort |
| Model | 1800 | D8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
