1974 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1961 DKW Junior
To start off, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 DKW Junior would be higher. At 1,407 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 202 kg more than 1961 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Daihatsu Charmant 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 1974 Daihatsu Charmant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 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, 1974 Daihatsu Charmant (114 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Daihatsu Charmant | 1961 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Daihatsu | DKW |
| Model | Charmant | Junior |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1407 cc | 794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2180 mm |
