1959 DKW Junior vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 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 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 110 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1959 DKW Junior | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | DKW | Volkswagen |
Model | Junior | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 741 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 34 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 64 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |