1941 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 371 kg more than 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lotus Esprit 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 1980 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8, 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1941 DKW Reichklasse F8 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | DKW | Lotus |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1941 | 1980 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2450 mm |
