I didn't think weight classes came until at least the Gamecube era, but I think I do recall DK being slow. Stick to a driver I think.

Also for me a lot of the slot was wasted in Mario Kart 8 with all those babies and two metal characters. How uncreative and unoriginal. I think the only babies that deserve to be in there is Mario & Luigi since they've had games centered around them. I know Peach was in the yoshi's Island sequel, but that game has been forgotten and wasn't received well.

The koopalings were a great choice, but I think Koopa Troopa is a bit redundant when you have Lakitu, the koopalings, and bowser. He's been there from the start so I can understand. I would've added a Boo, Kamek, Birdo, Diddy, and Egad for a few replacements.