1959 DKW Junior vs. 1960 Peugeot 404
To start off, 1960 Peugeot 404 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 DKW Junior would be higher. At 1,618 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Peugeot 404 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1960 Peugeot 404 (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1960 Peugeot 404 should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Peugeot 404 weights approximately 365 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 1960 Peugeot 404 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 1960 Peugeot 404. 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, 1960 Peugeot 404 (127 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1960 Peugeot 404 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1960 Peugeot 404 | |
| Make | DKW | Peugeot |
| Model | Junior | 404 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1618 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
