2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 665 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Ariel Atom | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Ariel | Mazda |
Model | Atom | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 109 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 148 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1125 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2329 mm |