1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is newer by 16 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (49 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 439 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, 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 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 | 1971 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| 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 | 870 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 |
