1988 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1988 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1988 Donkervoort S8.
Because 1988 Donkervoort S8 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 1988 Donkervoort S8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1988 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Donkervoort S8 | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Wartburg |
| Model | S8 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
