1959 DKW Junior vs. 1990 Opel Senator
To start off, 1990 Opel Senator is newer by 31 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 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 870 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 1990 Opel Senator 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 1990 Opel Senator. 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, 1990 Opel Senator (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1990 Opel Senator | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Senator |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 75 L |
