1961 DKW Junior vs. 1978 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1978 Nissan Skyline is newer by 17 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Nissan Skyline (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 340 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 1978 Nissan Skyline 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 1978 Nissan Skyline. 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, 1978 Nissan Skyline (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 DKW Junior | 1978 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | DKW | Nissan |
| Model | Junior | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 794 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2520 mm |
