1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1968 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 1968 Mercury Marauder is newer by 26 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 6,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Marauder (171 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Mercury Marauder 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 1968 Mercury Marauder. 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, 1968 Mercury Marauder (383 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercury Marauder 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 | 1968 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | DKW | Mercury |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Marauder |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1968 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 6392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 5640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 3160 mm |
