1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1996 Ford Ka
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 41 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Ka (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (12 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ka weights approximately 482 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, 1996 Ford Ka, 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, 1996 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (20 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1996 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Ka |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 248 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 20 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 426 kg | 908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 L | 42 L |
