2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1979 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lotus Esprit (160 HP) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster 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, 1979 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm). This means 1979 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1979 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ariel | Lotus |
| Model | Atom | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
