2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 Ford Focus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 8 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Ford Focus. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 711 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, 2009 Ford Focus, 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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Focus. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2009 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Focus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2650 mm |
