1963 DKW Junior vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 33 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1963 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1963 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 825 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 DKW Junior | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | DKW | Pontiac |
| Model | Junior | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2570 mm |
