2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 5 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 669 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom. 2009 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2004 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2004 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2009 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ariel | Honda |
| Model | Atom | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
