2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 3,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (355 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 1140 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, 1996 Vauxhall Carlton (531 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1996 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ariel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Atom | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
