1962 DKW Junior vs. 2003 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2003 Panoz Esperante is newer by 41 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Panoz Esperante (318 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Panoz Esperante weights approximately 570 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 2003 Panoz Esperante 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 2003 Panoz Esperante. 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, 2003 Panoz Esperante (426 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 DKW Junior | 2003 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | DKW | Panoz |
| Model | Junior | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 739 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 426 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 59 L |
