1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 589 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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Polo (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Polo |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
