1959 DKW Junior vs. 1963 Mazda R 360
To start off, 1963 Mazda R 360 is newer by 4 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 741 cc (3 cylinders), 1959 DKW Junior is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 DKW Junior (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1963 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 DKW Junior should accelerate faster than 1963 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 DKW Junior weights approximately 320 kg more than 1963 Mazda R 360. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Mazda R 360 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 1963 Mazda R 360. 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, 1959 DKW Junior (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mazda R 360. (23 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 DKW Junior will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1963 Mazda R 360 | |
| Make | DKW | Mazda |
| Model | Junior | R 360 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1963 |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 16 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 23 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 63 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 2990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 1770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
