1981 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 1989 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 520 (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1989 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1989 Donkervoort S8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Donkervoort S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1989 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | BMW | Donkervoort |
| Model | 520 | S8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1110 mm |
