1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1986 Ford Escort

To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 31 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 479 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.

Compare all specifications:

1955 Fairthorpe Atom 1986 Ford Escort
Make Fairthorpe Ford
Model Atom Escort
Year Released 1955 1986
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 646 cc 1751 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 35 HP 59 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4800 RPM
Torque 49 Nm 110 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 2500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 6.5:1 21.5:1
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 910 kg
Vehicle Length 3660 mm 4090 mm
Vehicle Width 1530 mm 1650 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1380 mm
Wheelbase Size 2270 mm 2520 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 20 L 45 L