1999 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1999 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1379 kg more than 1999 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Donkervoort D8. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1999 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 1999 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Donkervoort D8 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 2004 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3150 mm |
