2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 401 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1585 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 682 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2570 mm |
