2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2004 Peugeot 406
To start off, 2004 Peugeot 406 is newer by 3 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Peugeot 406. (106 HP @ 1750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2004 Peugeot 406. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 1039 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, 2004 Peugeot 406, 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, 2004 Peugeot 406 (250 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2004 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Ariel | Peugeot |
| Model | Atom | 406 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 191 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2830 mm |
