2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,275 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (87 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 806 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (209 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2003 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 2003 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Ford |
| Model | D8 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
