2001 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2001 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,005 cc (5 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (80 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 820 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300. (171 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Donkervoort D8 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3005 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2800 mm |
