1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1997 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana 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 63 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Santana weights approximately 340 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, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | D8 | Santana |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
