1959 DKW Junior vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 1968 Volkswagen 1303 is newer by 9 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 1,191 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen 1303 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 34 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen 1303 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1959 DKW Junior.
Because 1968 Volkswagen 1303 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 1968 Volkswagen 1303. 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, 1968 Volkswagen 1303 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1968 Volkswagen 1303 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | DKW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Junior | 1303 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
