1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1981 Fiat Vivace
To start off, 1981 Fiat Vivace is newer by 26 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 1,372 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Vivace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Vivace (62 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (12 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Vivace should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Vivace weights approximately 384 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, 1981 Fiat Vivace, 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, 1981 Fiat Vivace (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (20 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Vivace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1981 Fiat Vivace | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Fiat |
| Model | Atom | Vivace |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 248 cc | 1372 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 20 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 426 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2230 mm |
