2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2010 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2010 Nissan Xterra is newer by 8 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1456 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, 2010 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 2010 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2002 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2002 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2010 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ariel | Nissan |
| Model | Atom | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2700 mm |
