1990 Donkervoort S8 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1990 Donkervoort S8. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 Donkervoort S8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 275 kg more than 1990 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Donkervoort S8. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Donkervoort S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Donkervoort S8 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | S8 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
