1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 28 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (88 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 469 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |
