2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1961 NSU Prinz IV
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 NSU Prinz IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 NSU Prinz IV would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 NSU Prinz IV weights approximately 105 kg more than 2004 Ariel Atom.
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, 2004 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 NSU Prinz IV. (44 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 NSU Prinz IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1961 NSU Prinz IV | |
| Make | Ariel | NSU |
| Model | Atom | Prinz IV |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2050 mm |
