1963 DKW Junior vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 1978 Triumph Spitfire 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph Spitfire (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1963 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph Spitfire should accelerate faster than 1963 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 105 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 Triumph Spitfire 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 Triumph Spitfire. 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 Triumph Spitfire (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph Spitfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 DKW Junior | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | DKW | Triumph |
| Model | Junior | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 33 L |
