2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. (79 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 702 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Polo |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2470 mm |
