1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1962 DKW Junior
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 35 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1962 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1962 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 DKW Junior weights approximately 10 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 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 1997 Caterham C21. 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1962 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Caterham | DKW |
| Model | C21 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 739 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2180 mm |
