1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1470 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 830 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Donkervoort D8. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1997 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 1997 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
