2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1998 Volkswagen Gol
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Gol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Gol 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 60 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Gol. (49 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Gol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Gol weights approximately 435 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom.
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, 1998 Volkswagen Gol, 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 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Gol. (71 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Gol.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1998 Volkswagen Gol | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Gol |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2480 mm |
