1994 Donkervoort D8 vs. 1985 Saab 9000
To start off, 1994 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 9000 (173 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1994 Donkervoort D8. (138 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1994 Donkervoort D8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Saab 9000 weights approximately 750 kg more than 1994 Donkervoort D8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 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 1994 Donkervoort D8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000, 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, 1985 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Donkervoort D8. (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1985 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Donkervoort D8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Donkervoort D8 | 1985 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Donkervoort | Saab |
| Model | D8 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
