2000 Ariel Atom vs. 1970 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2000 Ariel Atom is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (52 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 515 kg more than 2000 Ariel Atom.
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, 2000 Ariel Atom (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2000 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 1970 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
