1961 DKW Junior vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 40 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 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 260 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 DKW Junior | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | DKW | Smart |
| Model | Junior | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 794 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 47 L |
