1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1015 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | SLK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| 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 | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 70 L |
