2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 854 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.
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, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercury |
| Model | Atom | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
