1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 818 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Pontiac |
| Model | Atom | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 417 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 69 L |
