2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1999 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Opel Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Opel Meriva would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Donkervoort D8 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1999 Opel Meriva. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Meriva weights approximately 763 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, 1999 Opel Meriva, 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, 1999 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 1999 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Opel |
| Model | D8 | Meriva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
