2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 5 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Sportage (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 1016 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.
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, 2006 Kia Sportage, 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, 2006 Kia Sportage (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ariel | Kia |
| Model | Atom | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2640 mm |
