2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda Civic (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Honda Civic weights approximately 540 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Civic, 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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ariel | Honda |
| Model | Atom | Civic |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
