1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 53 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (12 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 879 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (20 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2008 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | A |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 248 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 1 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | single | in-line |
| Horse Power | 12 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 20 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 426 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 L | 54 L |
