2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1973 Citroen DS
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1973 Citroen DS. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen DS weights approximately 750 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, 1973 Citroen DS, 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, 1973 Citroen DS (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1973 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Ariel | Citroen |
| Model | Atom | DS |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3130 mm |
