2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 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 75 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 290 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | 1302 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
