1974 Buick Riviera vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 1974 Buick Riviera is newer by 19 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 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Riviera (250 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1609 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, 1974 Buick Riviera (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 469 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. 1974 Buick Riviera 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. 1974 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Riviera | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | Buick | Fairthorpe |
| Model | Riviera | Atom |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 646 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 518 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 20 L |
