1959 DKW Junior vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 54 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (298 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 264 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 840 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | SLK |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2430 mm |
