2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 500 kg more than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Because 2003 Donkervoort D8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Pontiac |
| Model | D8 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2630 mm |
