1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Donkervoort D8 (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 386 kg more than 1997 Donkervoort D8.
Because 1997 Donkervoort D8 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 1997 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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, 1997 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lancia |
| Model | D8 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
