1962 DKW Junior vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 16 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (136 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 90 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 1978 Opel Senator 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 Opel Senator. 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, 1978 Opel Senator (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior. 1978 Opel Senator 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. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Senator |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2690 mm |
