1959 DKW Junior vs. 1977 Rover 2600
To start off, 1977 Rover 2600 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 2,596 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Rover 2600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Rover 2600 (136 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Rover 2600 should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Rover 2600 weights approximately 648 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 1977 Rover 2600 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 1977 Rover 2600. 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, 1977 Rover 2600 (206 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1977 Rover 2600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 1977 Rover 2600 has automatic transmission and 1959 DKW Junior has manual transmission. 1959 DKW Junior will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Rover 2600 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1977 Rover 2600 | |
| Make | DKW | Rover |
| Model | Junior | 2600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 65 L |
