2005 Donkervoort D8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Donkervoort D8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Donkervoort D8 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2005 Donkervoort D8. (149 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Donkervoort D8. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Donkervoort D8. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Donkervoort D8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | D8 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1780 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2560 mm |
