2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 69 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 345 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2004 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ariel | Smart |
| Model | Atom | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 1820 mm |
