1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2002 Opel Signum

To start off, 2002 Opel Signum is newer by 47 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 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Opel Signum (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Opel Signum weights approximately 1239 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, 2002 Opel Signum, 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, 2002 Opel Signum (377 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2002 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.

Compare all specifications:

1955 Fairthorpe Atom 2002 Opel Signum
Make Fairthorpe Opel
Model Atom Signum
Year Released 1955 2002
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 646 cc 2957 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 35 HP 174 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 49 Nm 377 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 1900 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 6.5:1 18.5:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 431 kg 1670 kg
Vehicle Length 3660 mm 4640 mm
Vehicle Width 1530 mm 1800 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1470 mm
Wheelbase Size 2270 mm 2840 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 20 L 58 L