RE: Ariel Atom 4 vs. Caterham Seven 620S
Discussion
Great article PH, nice photography too.
Tough call for me; love the chassis, design detail and development of the Atom. However, the footprint, layout, screen and wheel-sizing of the 7.
A lovechild of them both maybe; exposed chassis, superb build and design detail, mag 13" wheels, low front engine, small footprint and a screen.
Wishful thinking on my behalf, as I've not got £50k for my second car or the skill to exploit something north of 600bhp/ton.
Tough call for me; love the chassis, design detail and development of the Atom. However, the footprint, layout, screen and wheel-sizing of the 7.
A lovechild of them both maybe; exposed chassis, superb build and design detail, mag 13" wheels, low front engine, small footprint and a screen.
Wishful thinking on my behalf, as I've not got £50k for my second car or the skill to exploit something north of 600bhp/ton.
I'm currently looking for a used high end fun car and I'm in the Caterham camp...………………
I really admire the Atom, in many ways I think its a better car in terms of build quality and quality components but the one drive I had in an Atom albeit a 2 NA 245bhp and my experience was a bad feeling about the way the car drove, really twitchy and nervous, it felt like it wanted to go through a hedge most of the time so I really didn't like it. At the time I had a 170bhp Westfield and it was a much nicer car to drive and actually felt almost as fast.
I had gone to buy it and obviously didn't. Even if they have moved on in terms of ease to drive fast the weather exposure surely must make them very unpleasant for 90% of the year, you need a 25deg day to enjoy one or else wear motorbike gear and I personally don't want to do that in a car, I've got a BMW S1000R for that!
My experience of Caterhams are the opposite in terms of handling and warmth and yes an S3 fits like a tight climbing shoe but to me that's a plus. There's always an SV if you want space.
I still have an occasional wee look at Atoms for sale though!
I really admire the Atom, in many ways I think its a better car in terms of build quality and quality components but the one drive I had in an Atom albeit a 2 NA 245bhp and my experience was a bad feeling about the way the car drove, really twitchy and nervous, it felt like it wanted to go through a hedge most of the time so I really didn't like it. At the time I had a 170bhp Westfield and it was a much nicer car to drive and actually felt almost as fast.
I had gone to buy it and obviously didn't. Even if they have moved on in terms of ease to drive fast the weather exposure surely must make them very unpleasant for 90% of the year, you need a 25deg day to enjoy one or else wear motorbike gear and I personally don't want to do that in a car, I've got a BMW S1000R for that!
My experience of Caterhams are the opposite in terms of handling and warmth and yes an S3 fits like a tight climbing shoe but to me that's a plus. There's always an SV if you want space.
I still have an occasional wee look at Atoms for sale though!
SidewaysSi said:
Good job on the Atom order...looks to be a cracking choice!
Cheers! It’d be rude to mention that JE have reached 425HP with the K20C1, stock everything. That’s a big number
Having said that the 3.5 is endlessly amusing and It’ll be very sad to let it go. Nothing sounds as epic as a supercharged Atom with a sports exhaust at full chat IMO.
. Caterham for me though just because it’s a tiny bit more practical.Decent article.
As a long time Caterham owner, I like Atoms. Almost bought one a while back (as an addition rather than a replacement).
As others have mentioned, the extra width of an Atom would seriously count against it point to point on b-roads. It's over 20cm wider than an S3 7, and on tight roads this really counts.
Am noticing that modern cars seem to be getting ever wider, which is a real shame.
As a long time Caterham owner, I like Atoms. Almost bought one a while back (as an addition rather than a replacement).
As others have mentioned, the extra width of an Atom would seriously count against it point to point on b-roads. It's over 20cm wider than an S3 7, and on tight roads this really counts.
Am noticing that modern cars seem to be getting ever wider, which is a real shame.
Good article, (I would have been happy if it was a little longer) and great photos. I'm glad you went for it despite the rain 
As a Caterham owner, I'm not impartial, but the small size of the S3 Seven is its unique selling point now. There's no car more at home on a British B road and I have taken my wife away for a week touring and still remain married, so the extra practicality helps. But £50,000 for a 620, no thanks, driving on the road in my Seven (125 bhp) I have never thought I need another 185bhp.
The Atom does look beautifully finished and more like it is worth that sort of money, but if I had to wear motorcycle gear and helmet, I would buy a bike instead.
As a Caterham owner, I'm not impartial, but the small size of the S3 Seven is its unique selling point now. There's no car more at home on a British B road and I have taken my wife away for a week touring and still remain married, so the extra practicality helps. But £50,000 for a 620, no thanks, driving on the road in my Seven (125 bhp) I have never thought I need another 185bhp.
The Atom does look beautifully finished and more like it is worth that sort of money, but if I had to wear motorcycle gear and helmet, I would buy a bike instead.
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