1962 DKW Junior vs. 1973 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1973 Opel Kadett is newer by 11 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Kadett weights approximately 95 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 1973 Opel Kadett 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 1973 Opel Kadett. 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, 1973 Opel Kadett (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (73 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1973 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 43 L |
