1959 DKW Junior vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 459 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1325 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 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 736 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
