2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 510 kg more than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Because 2005 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 2005 Ariel Atom. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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, 2005 Ariel Atom (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Ariel | Wartburg |
| Model | Atom | 311 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2460 mm |
