2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 437 kg more than 2003 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Lotus |
| Model | D8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
