1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1961 Renault Dauphine
To start off, 1961 Renault Dauphine is newer by 19 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 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Renault Dauphine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Renault Dauphine (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Renault Dauphine 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 203 kg more than 1961 Renault Dauphine.
Because 1961 Renault Dauphine 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 1961 Renault Dauphine. 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, 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Renault Dauphine. (46 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Renault Dauphine.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 | 1961 Renault Dauphine | |
| Make | DKW | Renault |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Dauphine |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1961 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 46 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 54.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2280 mm |
