2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2008 Cadillac CTS is newer by 6 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Cadillac CTS (263 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 1328 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, 2008 Cadillac CTS (343 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2008 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Ariel | Cadillac |
| Model | Atom | CTS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2890 mm |
