2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2011 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2011 Mercury Mariner is newer by 8 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Mariner (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1202 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2011 Mercury Mariner (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2011 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercury |
| Model | Atom | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2619 mm |
