2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1958 Volvo 120
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1958 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1958 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Volvo 120 weights approximately 533 kg more than 2003 Ariel Atom.
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, 2003 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1958 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Ariel | Volvo |
| Model | Atom | 120 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2610 mm |
