1962 DKW Junior vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 25 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), 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 500 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | 190 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1987 |
| 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 | 166 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2670 mm |
