1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1976 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1976 Ford Fiesta is newer by 21 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 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fiesta (52 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 299 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.
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, 1976 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1976 Ford Fiesta (80 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1976 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 34 L |
