2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1981 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 1238 kg more than 2003 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, 1981 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1981 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | Ariel | Dodge |
| Model | Atom | Mirada |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2870 mm |
