2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 732 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ariel | Mazda |
| Model | Atom | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2340 mm |
