1963 DKW Junior vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 DKW Junior would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1963 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1963 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 785 kg more than 1963 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Senator 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 1978 Opel Senator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 DKW Junior | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | DKW | Opel |
| Model | Junior | Senator |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 44 L |
