2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2000 Ariel Atom
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2000 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 932 kg more than 2000 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 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 2000 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (163 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2000 Ariel Atom | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ariel |
| Model | 156 | Atom |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
