1962 DKW Junior vs. 1975 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1975 Opel Kadett is newer by 13 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), 1975 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Opel Kadett weights approximately 120 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 1975 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 1975 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, 1975 Opel Kadett (81 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior. 1975 Opel Kadett has automatic transmission and 1962 DKW Junior has manual transmission. 1962 DKW Junior will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Opel Kadett will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1975 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 43 L |
