1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1985 Saab 9000
To start off, 1985 Saab 9000 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 9000 (173 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Saab 9000 weights approximately 969 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 Saab 9000, 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 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1985 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Saab |
| Model | Atom | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 54 L |
