1959 DKW Junior vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1977 Lancia Beta is newer by 18 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 325 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.
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, 1977 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | DKW | Lancia |
| Model | Junior | Beta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 49 L |
