2005 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 976 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom. 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ariel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Atom | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2712 mm |
