1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1989 Holden Barina
To start off, 1989 Holden Barina is newer by 34 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 1,324 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Holden Barina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Holden Barina (67 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Holden Barina should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Holden Barina weights approximately 299 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, 1989 Holden Barina, 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, 1989 Holden Barina (104 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Holden Barina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1989 Holden Barina | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Holden |
| Model | Atom | Barina |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2250 mm |
