2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 Seat Leon
To start off, 2006 Seat Leon is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Seat Leon (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Seat Leon weights approximately 874 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, 2006 Seat Leon, 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, 2006 Seat Leon (270 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2006 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Ariel | Seat |
| Model | Atom | Leon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
