1989 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1981 Fiat 127
To start off, 1989 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 127 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1989 Donkervoort S8.
Because 1989 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 1989 Donkervoort S8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat 127, 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, 1989 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 127. (76 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Donkervoort S8 | 1981 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Fiat |
| Model | S8 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
