2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster 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, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ariel | Pontiac |
| Model | Atom | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
