1985 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1985 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 145 kg more than 1985 Donkervoort S8.
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, 1985 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Donkervoort S8 | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | S8 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
