1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1975 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1975 Reliant Kitten is newer by 33 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 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Reliant Kitten 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 300 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1975 Reliant Kitten 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. 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, 1975 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Reliant Kitten 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 | 1975 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | DKW | Reliant |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2150 mm |
