2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 626 weights approximately 710 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 1978 Mazda 626 has automatic transmission and 2005 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2005 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mazda 626 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ariel | Mazda |
| Model | Atom | 626 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2520 mm |
