1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 1998 Holden Nova
To start off, 1998 Holden Nova is newer by 43 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Holden Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Holden Nova (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Holden Nova should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Holden Nova weights approximately 634 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, 1998 Holden Nova, 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, 1998 Holden Nova (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Holden Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 1998 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Holden |
| Model | Atom | Nova |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
