1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 57 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), 2012 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 318 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 1064 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, 2012 BMW 318 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 318 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 57 L |
