1988 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1988 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 707 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Donkervoort S8 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S8 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
