1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1956 Ford Prefect is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ford Prefect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ford Prefect (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ford Prefect should accelerate faster than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Because 1956 Ford Prefect 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1942 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, 1956 Ford Prefect (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Prefect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | DKW | Ford |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1956 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2220 mm |
