2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1981 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina 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 50 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 540 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1981 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2590 mm |
