1959 DKW Junior vs. 1974 Honda Life
To start off, 1974 Honda Life 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 5 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 DKW Junior should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 DKW Junior weights approximately 210 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1959 DKW Junior will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1974 Honda Life | |
| Make | DKW | Honda |
| Model | Junior | Life |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 28 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 50.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
