2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 44 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 610 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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | D8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2680 mm |
