1989 Donkervoort S8 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2000 Lotus Exige is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1989 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lotus Exige weights approximately 111 kg more than 1989 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, 2000 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Donkervoort S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Donkervoort S8 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Exige |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1190 mm |
