2004 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Donkervoort D8. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 985 kg more than 2004 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Donkervoort D8 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2870 mm |
