2000 Ariel Atom vs. 2003 Ford Ka
To start off, 2003 Ford Ka is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Ka weights approximately 446 kg more than 2000 Ariel Atom.
Because 2000 Ariel Atom is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Ka, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2000 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 2003 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Ka |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 906 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2460 mm |
