1978 Daihatsu Charmant vs. 1961 DKW Junior
To start off, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is newer by 17 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 1,165 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Daihatsu Charmant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant should accelerate faster than 1961 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Daihatsu Charmant weights approximately 100 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 1978 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 1978 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, 1978 Daihatsu Charmant (90 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 DKW Junior. (71 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Daihatsu Charmant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Daihatsu Charmant | 1961 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Daihatsu | DKW |
| Model | Charmant | Junior |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1165 cc | 794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 68 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 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 |
