1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1974 Lotus Eclat is newer by 19 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Eclat weights approximately 689 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. 1974 Lotus Eclat 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. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Atom | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 417 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 67 L |
