1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fairthorpe Atom would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom should accelerate faster than 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 389 kg more than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
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, 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (77 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1960 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2430 mm |
