2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 744 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Ariel Atom. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Golf |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2590 mm |
