2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1290 kg more than 2004 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ariel | Pontiac |
| Model | Atom | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2750 mm |
