1988 Donkervoort S8 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1988 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1988 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 953 kg more than 1988 Donkervoort S8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Donkervoort S8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Donkervoort S8. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 1988 Donkervoort S8 has manual transmission. 1988 Donkervoort S8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Donkervoort S8 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Donkervoort | BMW |
| Model | S8 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1434 mm |
