1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1964 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1964 Trabant Universal is newer by 9 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 646 cc (2 cylinders), 1955 Fairthorpe Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1964 Trabant Universal. (30 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Trabant Universal weights approximately 223 kg more than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Because 1955 Fairthorpe 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 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Trabant Universal, 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, 1964 Trabant Universal (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1964 Trabant Universal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1964 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Trabant |
| Model | Atom | Universal |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 24 L |
