1959 DKW Junior vs. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza is newer by 12 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 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza weights approximately 190 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 1971 Vauxhall Firenza 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 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. 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, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza (91 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Vauxhall Firenza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1971 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | DKW | Vauxhall |
| Model | Junior | Firenza |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2470 mm |
