1942 DKW Reichklasse F8 vs. 1978 Renault 5
To start off, 1978 Renault 5 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 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (18 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 5 weights approximately 137 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 Renault 5 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 Renault 5. 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 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1942 DKW Reichklasse F8. (49 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 5 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 Renault 5 | |
| Make | DKW | Renault |
| Model | Reichklasse F8 | 5 |
| Year Released | 1942 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 584 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 835 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2440 mm |
