1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is newer by 42 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 2,551 cc (5 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Microbus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus (134 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (12 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Microbus weights approximately 1234 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. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Volkswagen Microbus (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (20 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Microbus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1997 Volkswagen Microbus | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Microbus |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 248 cc | 2551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 20 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 426 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
