1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 452 more horse power than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1997 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 550 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | D8 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
