2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 840 kg more than 2003 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Pontiac |
| Model | D8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2750 mm |
