2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2003 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour 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 74 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForFour weights approximately 336 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, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Smart |
| Model | D8 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2510 mm |
