1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 1090 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 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 646 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |
