2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1000 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, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3430 mm |
