2003 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mini Cooper (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2003 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper weights approximately 665 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.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper, 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, 2012 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Donkervoort D8 | 2012 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mini |
| Model | D8 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3729 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2466 mm |
