1963 DKW Junior vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1963 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1963 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 357 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 1986 Lotus Esprit 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 1986 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 DKW Junior | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | DKW | Lotus |
| Model | Junior | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
