1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1985 Mazda 121
To start off, 1985 Mazda 121 is newer by 30 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 1,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 121 (55 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 121 weights approximately 294 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, 1985 Mazda 121, 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, 1985 Mazda 121 (88 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1985 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mazda |
| Model | Atom | 121 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2370 mm |
