1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1978 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 1978 Plymouth Volare is newer by 36 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 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Plymouth Volare (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Volare should accelerate faster than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 630 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 1978 Plymouth Volare 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 1978 Plymouth Volare. 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, 1978 Plymouth Volare (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Volare 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 | 1978 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | DKW | Plymouth |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | Volare |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 3687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2760 mm |
