1959 DKW Junior vs. 1974 Fiat 500
To start off, 1974 Fiat 500 is newer by 15 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 16 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 DKW Junior should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 DKW Junior weights approximately 184 kg more than 1974 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Fiat 500 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 1974 Fiat 500. 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 DKW Junior will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1974 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | DKW | Fiat |
| Model | Junior | 500 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 18 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 27 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 516 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 22 L |
