2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1959 Steyr 500D
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Steyr 500D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Steyr 500D would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500D. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Steyr 500D weights approximately 20 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500D.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1959 Steyr 500D | |
| Make | Ariel | Steyr |
| Model | Atom | 500D |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1850 mm |
