1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 55 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 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 398 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 1450 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. 2010 Lotus Elise 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. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Atom | Elise |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 86 L |
