1998 Cadillac Catera vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 1998 Cadillac Catera is newer by 43 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 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Cadillac Catera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Cadillac Catera (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (35 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Cadillac Catera should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Cadillac Catera weights approximately 1274 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, 1998 Cadillac Catera (260 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (49 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Cadillac Catera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. 1998 Cadillac Catera 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. 1998 Cadillac Catera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Cadillac Catera | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | Cadillac | Fairthorpe |
| Model | Catera | Atom |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 646 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 431 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 20 L |
