1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1972 Fiat 126
To start off, 1972 Fiat 126 is newer by 17 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 652 cc (2 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 126 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Fiat 126 weights approximately 149 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, 1955 Fairthorpe Atom (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Fairthorpe Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1972 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Fiat |
| Model | Atom | 126 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| 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 | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 1850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 20 L |
