1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2001 Proton Saloon
To start off, 2001 Proton Saloon is newer by 46 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), 2001 Proton Saloon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Proton Saloon (82 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Proton Saloon should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Proton Saloon weights approximately 489 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, 2001 Proton Saloon, 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, 2001 Proton Saloon (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Proton Saloon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2001 Proton Saloon | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Proton |
| Model | Atom | Saloon |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2390 mm |
