2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1225 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercury |
| Model | D8 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2910 mm |
