2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Ford C-Max
To start off, 2012 Ford C-Max is newer by 11 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), 2012 Ford C-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford C-Max (150 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford C-Max should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford C-Max weights approximately 1090 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 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, 2012 Ford C-Max, 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, 2012 Ford C-Max (270 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford C-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2012 Ford C-Max | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | C-Max |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| 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 | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1828 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2788 mm |
