2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2760 mm |
