2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1300 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
