1972 AMC Ambassador vs. 1962 DKW Junior
To start off, 1972 AMC Ambassador is newer by 10 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 5,897 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 AMC Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 AMC Ambassador (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 AMC Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 AMC Ambassador weights approximately 957 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 1972 AMC Ambassador 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 1972 AMC Ambassador. 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, 1972 AMC Ambassador (403 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (73 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 AMC Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 AMC Ambassador | 1962 DKW Junior | |
| Make | AMC | DKW |
| Model | Ambassador | Junior |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5897 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 403 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.6 mm | 70.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 68 mm |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 122 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1657 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2180 mm |
