1959 DKW Junior vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 48 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 502 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | DKW | Mazda |
| Model | Junior | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 48 L |
