1999 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 1999 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1998 Ford Contour. (128 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 617 kg more than 1999 Donkervoort D8.
Because 1999 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 1999 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour, 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, 1999 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Contour. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Contour. 1998 Ford Contour 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. 1998 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Donkervoort D8 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Ford |
| Model | D8 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
