1998 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1981 Fiat Panda
To start off, 1998 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Donkervoort D8 (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Panda weights approximately 36 kg more than 1998 Donkervoort D8.
Because 1998 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 1998 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Panda, 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, 1998 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Donkervoort D8 | 1981 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Fiat |
| Model | D8 | Panda |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 843 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2170 mm |
