1987 Donkervoort S8 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1987 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 736 kg more than 1987 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Donkervoort S8. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1987 Donkervoort S8 has manual transmission. 1987 Donkervoort S8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Donkervoort S8 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mazda |
| Model | S8 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1341 mm |
