2001 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2011 Volvo S40
To start off, 2011 Volvo S40 is newer by 10 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2001 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 2001 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S40 weights approximately 954 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, 2011 Volvo S40, 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, 2011 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Donkervoort D8. 2011 Volvo S40 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. 2011 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Donkervoort D8 | 2011 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volvo |
| Model | D8 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1579 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
