1948 Austin A 40 vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1948 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Austin A 40 (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 40 weights approximately 539 kg more than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1948 Austin A 40 (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1948 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 40 | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | Austin | Fairthorpe |
| Model | A 40 | Atom |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 646 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 20 L |
