2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 2650 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1788 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 2009 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ariel Atom. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Touareg (360 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 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. 2009 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2009 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2860 mm |
