1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine 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 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Sunbeam Alpine should accelerate faster than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine weights approximately 175 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 1975 Sunbeam Alpine 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 Sunbeam Alpine. 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 Sunbeam Alpine (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine has automatic transmission and 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 has manual transmission. 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Sunbeam Alpine will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 | 1975 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | DKW | Sunbeam |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1975 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2510 mm |
