2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg

To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 7 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (345 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1796 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 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2008 Volkswagen Touareg (440 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 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. 2008 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2001 Ariel Atom 2008 Volkswagen Touareg
Make Ariel Volkswagen
Model Atom Touareg
Year Released 2001 2008
Body Type Roadster SUV
Engine Position Rear Front
Engine Size 1589 cc 4163 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 5 valves
Horse Power 109 HP 345 HP
Engine RPM 5000 RPM 6800 RPM
Torque 148 Nm 440 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 11.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Top Speed 180 km/hour 244 km/hour
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 1 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 460 kg 2256 kg
Vehicle Length 3420 mm 4760 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1930 mm
Vehicle Height 1200 mm 1730 mm
Wheelbase Size 2350 mm 2860 mm