1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1962 DKW Junior
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 34 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 DKW Junior weights approximately 222 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 7 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 1996 Caterham 7. 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (73 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1962 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Caterham | DKW |
| Model | 7 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 122 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2180 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 31 L |
