1997 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 12 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 575 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Donkervoort D8. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Donkervoort D8 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
