1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1997 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 556 kg more than 1997 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | D8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 277 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 | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
