1989 Donkervoort S8 vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 23 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1989 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 820 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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Donkervoort S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Donkervoort S8 | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | BMW |
| Model | S8 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1429 mm |
