2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 688 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, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (151 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Ariel | Vauxhall |
| Model | Atom | Carlton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
