1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1959 DKW Junior
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 DKW Junior. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 DKW Junior would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 DKW Junior weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Because 1998 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 1998 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1959 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Caterham | DKW |
| Model | C21 | Junior |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 741 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 68 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2180 mm |
