2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 Volkswagen Bora
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Bora is newer by 5 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Bora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Bora (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Bora should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Bora weights approximately 911 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.
Because 2003 Ariel Atom is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Bora, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Bora (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Bora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom. 2008 Volkswagen Bora has automatic transmission and 2003 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2003 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Bora will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2008 Volkswagen Bora | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Bora |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1373 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
