2000 Ariel Atom vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 10 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 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (433 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 324 more horse power than 2000 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2000 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 1421 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ariel Atom. 2010 Lotus Elise has automatic transmission and 2000 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2000 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Ariel | Lotus |
| Model | Atom | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2941 mm |
