2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1970 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1970 Mercury Comet. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercury Comet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercury Comet weights approximately 758 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, 1970 Mercury Comet (178 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1970 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercury |
| Model | Atom | Comet |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2800 mm |
