1960 Fairthorpe Electron vs. 1985 Saab 900
To start off, 1985 Saab 900 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fairthorpe Electron would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (42 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Saab 900 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fairthorpe Electron 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 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Saab 900, 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, 1985 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fairthorpe Electron.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Fairthorpe Electron | 1985 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Saab |
| Model | Electron | 900 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 42 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2060 mm | 2530 mm |
