1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 48 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1141 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1955 Fairthorpe Atom has manual transmission. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 62 L |
