2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (151 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 905 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ariel | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Atom | C |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 151 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2970 mm |
