2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1972 Buick Centurion
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Buick Centurion (225 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Buick Centurion weights approximately 1610 kg more than 2002 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 1972 Buick Centurion 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. 1972 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1972 Buick Centurion | |
| Make | Ariel | Buick |
| Model | Atom | Centurion |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 7468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 498 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3160 mm |
