2002 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 2002 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1220 kg more than 2002 Donkervoort D8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 590 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Donkervoort D8 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 523 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2585 mm |
