1959 DKW Junior vs. 1997 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1997 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 38 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Suzuki Samurai (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 230 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 1997 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 DKW Junior. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Suzuki Samurai (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1997 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | DKW | Suzuki |
| Model | Junior | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2490 mm |
