1973 Buick Riviera vs. 1959 DKW Junior
To start off, 1973 Buick Riviera is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 DKW Junior would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1340 kg more than 1959 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Buick Riviera 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 1973 Buick Riviera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1973 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior. 1973 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1959 DKW Junior has manual transmission. 1959 DKW Junior will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Riviera | 1959 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Buick | DKW |
| Model | Riviera | Junior |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 741 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2180 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 31 L |
