2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1004 kg more than 2005 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2800 mm |
