1985 BMW 324 vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 1985 BMW 324 is newer by 30 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW 324 (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW 324 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 829 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, 1985 BMW 324 (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | BMW | Fairthorpe |
| Model | 324 | Atom |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 646 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 20 L |
