2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 460 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 460. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 460 weights approximately 517 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, 1989 Volvo 460, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Ariel | Volvo |
| Model | Atom | 460 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 977 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2510 mm |
