1959 DKW Junior vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 DKW Junior. (34 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 DKW Junior. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1959 DKW Junior. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 323 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 DKW Junior. (64 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 DKW Junior.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 DKW Junior | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | DKW | Mazda |
| Model | Junior | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 741 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2180 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
