2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Ford Focus
To start off, 2012 Ford Focus 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Focus (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Focus weights approximately 864 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 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, 2012 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Focus 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 Focus | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Focus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1324 kg |
