2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Ariel Atom
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 880 kg more than 2004 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2004 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 Ariel Atom | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ariel |
| Model | 156 | Atom |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 1 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2350 mm |
