2005 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ariel Atom is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 962 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ariel | Mazda |
| Model | Atom | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
