2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is newer by 7 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC weights approximately 2370 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC (351 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLC | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | CLC |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2720 mm |
