1959 DKW Junior vs. 1949 Simca 8
To start off, 1959 DKW Junior is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Simca 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Simca 8 would be higher. At 1,220 cc (4 cylinders), 1949 Simca 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1949 Simca 8 (49 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1949 Simca 8 should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Simca 8 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1959 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Simca 8 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 1949 Simca 8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1949 Simca 8 (88 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1949 Simca 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1949 Simca 8 | |
| Make | DKW | Simca |
| Model | Junior | 8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1220 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 6.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2450 mm |
