1962 DKW Junior vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1980 Opel Commodore is newer by 18 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 2,490 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Opel Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Commodore (115 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 612 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 1980 Opel Commodore 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 1980 Opel Commodore. 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, 1980 Opel Commodore (179 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Opel Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 2490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 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 | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1312 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
