2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1989 Citroen CX
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen CX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Citroen CX (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen CX weights approximately 960 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.
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, 1989 Citroen CX, 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, 1989 Citroen CX (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1989 Citroen CX | |
| Make | Ariel | Citroen |
| Model | Atom | CX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 3100 mm |
