1955 Fairthorpe Atom vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 58 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), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 963 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 1955 Fairthorpe Atom is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Golf |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2013 |
| 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 | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 431 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 20 L | 55 L |
