1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 8 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1997 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 726 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.
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, 2005 Seat Leon, 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, 2005 Seat Leon (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Seat |
| Model | D8 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
