1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 555 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 769 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, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 571 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2001 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | W12 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
