2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 715 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Ariel | Lotus |
| Model | Atom | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2440 mm |
