2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2003 Daihatsu Charade
To start off, 2003 Daihatsu Charade is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ariel Atom 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 52 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Daihatsu Charade weights approximately 285 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, 2003 Daihatsu Charade, 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 2003 Daihatsu Charade 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. 2003 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2003 Daihatsu Charade | |
| Make | Ariel | Daihatsu |
| Model | Atom | Charade |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2370 mm |
