1962 DKW Junior vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1060 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | DKW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Junior | SL |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
