1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 54 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 1023 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. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 120 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 417 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 51 L |
