1961 DKW Junior vs. 1963 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 DKW Junior would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 (70 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 weights approximately 87 kg more than 1961 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 DKW Junior | 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | DKW | Reliant |
| Model | Junior | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 794 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 38 L |
