2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1967 Wartburg 312
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1967 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1967 Wartburg 312 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 64 more horse power than 1967 Wartburg 312. (45 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1967 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1967 Wartburg 312 weights approximately 454 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, 1967 Wartburg 312, 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 1967 Wartburg 312. (98 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1967 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1967 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Ariel | Wartburg |
| Model | Atom | 312 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1967 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2460 mm |
