2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (318 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 883 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, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Ariel | Porsche |
| Model | Atom | 996 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2360 mm |
