1999 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1978 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1999 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (177 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Holden Sunbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 530 kg more than 1999 Donkervoort D8.
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, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Holden Sunbird. (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1999 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Holden Sunbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Donkervoort D8 | 1978 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Holden |
| Model | D8 | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2590 mm |
