1998 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Donkervoort D8 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 64 more horse power than 2005 Seat Leon. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 492 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, 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, 1998 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Leon. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Leon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Donkervoort D8 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Seat |
| Model | D8 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
