1962 DKW Junior vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is newer by 23 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 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 weights approximately 722 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 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 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 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. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | 260 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
