1999 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1999 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (177 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 815 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Donkervoort D8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
