1959 DKW Junior vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 50 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 3,698 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Nitro (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 660 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 2009 Dodge Nitro 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 2009 Dodge Nitro. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 2009 Dodge Nitro 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. 2009 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | DKW | Dodge |
| Model | Junior | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 3698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 74 L |
