2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1996 Buick Riviera
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Riviera (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1240 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.
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, 1996 Buick Riviera, 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, 1996 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 1996 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 2002 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2002 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1996 Buick Riviera | |
| Make | Ariel | Buick |
| Model | Atom | Riviera |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2820 mm |
