2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1999 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Citroen Xantia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Citroen Xantia would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Citroen Xantia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1999 Citroen Xantia. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1999 Citroen Xantia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 876 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, 1999 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1999 Citroen Xantia (200 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 1999 Citroen Xantia 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. 1999 Citroen Xantia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1999 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Ariel | Citroen |
| Model | Atom | Xantia |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2750 mm |
