1996 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. Both 1996 Donkervoort D8 and 2001 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Elise (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1996 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Elise weights approximately 65 kg more than 1996 Donkervoort D8. 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Donkervoort D8 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | D8 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2310 mm |
