1958 Abarth 600 vs. 1962 DKW Junior
To start off, 1962 DKW Junior is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 796 cc (3 cylinders), 1962 DKW Junior is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 600 (41 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 600 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 DKW Junior weights approximately 115 kg more than 1958 Abarth 600.
Because 1958 Abarth 600 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 1958 Abarth 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 DKW Junior, 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, 1962 DKW Junior (73 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 600. (54 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 DKW Junior will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 600 | 1962 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Abarth | DKW |
| Model | 600 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 70.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 68 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2180 mm |
