2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 870 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, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair (162 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 2002 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2002 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Ariel | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Atom | Debonair |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2700 mm |
