2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1987 Maserati 420
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Maserati 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Maserati 420 would be higher. At 1,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Maserati 420 weights approximately 713 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, 1987 Maserati 420 (258 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1987 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Ariel | Maserati |
| Model | Atom | 420 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2610 mm |
