2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 718 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ariel | Mazda |
| Model | Atom | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
