1962 DKW Junior vs. 1963 Jensen 541
To start off, 1963 Jensen 541 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 DKW Junior would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Jensen 541 (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Jensen 541 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Jensen 541 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1962 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Jensen 541 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 Jensen 541. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 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 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1963 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1963 Jensen 541 | |
| Make | DKW | Jensen |
| Model | Junior | 541 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 3993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 111.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 72 L |
