1998 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 521 kg more than 1998 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Donkervoort D8 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | D8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
