1988 BMW 316 vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 33 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 316 (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 1409 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, 1988 BMW 316 (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | BMW | Fairthorpe |
| Model | 316 | Atom |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 646 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
