2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1780 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.
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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 422 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2001 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2001 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2890 mm |
