2005 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2005 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Donkervoort D8 (149 HP) has 15 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Donkervoort D8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 863 kg more than 2005 Donkervoort D8.
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, 2005 Donkervoort D8 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 2005 Donkervoort D8 has manual transmission. 2005 Donkervoort D8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Donkervoort D8 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
