1990 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1990 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Donkervoort S8 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Donkervoort S8 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1990 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Donkervoort S8 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1190 mm |
