1992 BMW 540 vs. 1962 DKW Junior
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 30 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 1021 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 1992 BMW 540 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 1992 BMW 540. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1962 DKW Junior has manual transmission. 1962 DKW Junior will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1962 DKW Junior | |
| Make | BMW | DKW |
| Model | 540 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 739 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 113 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2180 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 31 L |
