1996 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 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. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1996 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 778 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Donkervoort D8 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mazda |
| Model | D8 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
