1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1960 DKW Junior
To start off, 1960 DKW Junior is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 847 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Abarth 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Abarth 850 (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1960 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Abarth 850 should accelerate faster than 1960 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 DKW Junior weights approximately 130 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850.
Because 1959 Abarth 850 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 1959 Abarth 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1959 Abarth 850 (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Abarth 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1960 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Abarth | DKW |
| Model | 850 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 741 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2180 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 31 L |
