2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1976 Ford Cortina. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 654 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Ariel Atom (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (117 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2005 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ariel | Ford |
| Model | Atom | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1114 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2590 mm |
