1960 DKW Junior vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 DKW Junior would be higher. At 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1960 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1960 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1960 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 DKW Junior | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | 190 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 97.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
