1990 Donkervoort S8 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Donkervoort S8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat 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 57 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 265 kg more than 1990 Donkervoort S8.
Because 1990 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 1990 Donkervoort S8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1990 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Donkervoort S8 | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | S8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1390 mm |
