2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2000 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2000 Citroen Xsara. (91 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2000 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 700 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, 2000 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2000 Citroen Xsara (217 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2000 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Ariel | Citroen |
| Model | Atom | Xsara |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2550 mm |
