1959 DKW Junior vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 47 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 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 375 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 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 2006 Honda Element 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. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | DKW | Honda |
| Model | Junior | Element |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
