2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (254 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 472 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3165 mm |
