2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1957 Riley 1.5
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Riley 1.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Riley 1.5 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1957 Riley 1.5. (63 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1957 Riley 1.5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Riley 1.5 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Riley 1.5. (112 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Riley 1.5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1957 Riley 1.5 | |
| Make | Ariel | Riley |
| Model | Atom | 1.5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2190 mm |
