2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1995 Donkervoort S8
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Donkervoort S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Donkervoort S8 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Donkervoort S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Donkervoort S8 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Donkervoort S8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Donkervoort S8 weights approximately 215 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, 1995 Donkervoort S8 (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Donkervoort S8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1995 Donkervoort S8 | |
| Make | Ariel | Donkervoort |
| Model | Atom | S8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1110 mm |
