2002 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 2002 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 2002 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 2002 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Donkervoort D8 | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volvo |
| Model | D8 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1400 mm |
