1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1987 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1987 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 32 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Vauxhall Astra (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 403 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, 1987 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1987 Vauxhall Astra (84 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1987 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Vauxhall |
| Model | Atom | Astra |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 84 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 | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
