1959 DKW Junior vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 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 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 600 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 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 52 L |
