2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1985 Citroen BX
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Citroen BX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Citroen BX 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 47 more horse power than 1985 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1985 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Citroen BX weights approximately 430 kg more than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Because 2002 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 2002 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Citroen BX, 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 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Citroen BX. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1985 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Ariel | Citroen |
| Model | Atom | BX |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
