2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2,148 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 765 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2148 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
