2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1955 Fairthorpe Atom
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 53 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 478 more horse power than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1955 Fairthorpe Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 1393 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. 2008 Alpina B5 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. 2008 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1955 Fairthorpe Atom | |
| Make | Alpina | Fairthorpe |
| Model | B5 | Atom |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 322 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 15 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 60 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 57 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 417 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 20 L |
