1962 DKW Junior vs. 1979 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 17 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1113 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird 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 1979 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (73 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1979 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | DKW | Ford |
| Model | Junior | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 5731 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 122 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1813 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 5520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
