1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (12 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 1519 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (20 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1955 Fairthorpe Atom has manual transmission. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Atom | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 248 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 20 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 426 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3080 mm |
