2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1959 DKW Junior
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 42 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 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 DKW Junior weights approximately 240 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Because 2001 Ariel Atom 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 2001 Ariel Atom. 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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1959 DKW Junior | |
| Make | Ariel | DKW |
| Model | Atom | Junior |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 741 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2180 mm |
