2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 9 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, 2003 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 784 kg more than 2003 Ariel Atom.
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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Ariel | Honda |
| Model | Atom | Insight |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1000 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 | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2550 mm |
