2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1984 Ford Orion
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1984 Ford Orion. (54 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Orion weights approximately 490 kg more than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Because 2004 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 2004 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Orion, 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, 2004 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Orion. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1984 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Orion |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
