2000 Ariel Atom vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2000 Ariel Atom is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 194 kg more than 2000 Ariel 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Ariel | Caterham |
| Model | Atom | C21 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2260 mm |
