2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1139 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
