2005 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Donkervoort D8 (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 131 kg more than 2005 Donkervoort D8.
Because 2005 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 2005 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2005 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Donkervoort D8 | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Volkswagen |
| Model | D8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
