1961 DKW Junior vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 10 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 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (195 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 1045 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 (358 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 DKW Junior | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | 300 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 794 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 82 L |
