2001 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2001 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2001 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 947 kg more than 2001 Donkervoort D8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Donkervoort D8. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2001 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 2001 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Donkervoort D8 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | D8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
