1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 733 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton has automatic transmission and 1955 Fairthorpe Atom has manual transmission. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Vauxhall Carlton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1986 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Vauxhall |
| Model | Atom | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 417 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
