1959 DKW Junior vs. 2004 Honda Life
To start off, 2004 Honda Life is newer by 45 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 741 cc (3 cylinders), 1959 DKW Junior is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Life (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Life weights approximately 90 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 2004 Honda Life 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, 2004 Honda Life 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, 1959 DKW Junior (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1959 DKW Junior will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Life. 2004 Honda Life 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. 2004 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2004 Honda Life | |
| Make | DKW | Honda |
| Model | Junior | Life |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2370 mm |
