RE: PH Carpool: Ariel Atom
Discussion
george h said:
Great write up 
What is insurance like for these? I can't find any companies that actually insure them.
Been toying with the idea of one of these for summer, though I think an Atom 165 would be the most sensible idea so I didn't kill myself.
£500, 3.5K miles, a few track days included (I don't do them) and agreed value. you're right, not many companies cover them and it seems to change weekly as to who does / doesn't. I'll need to start shopping around next mth What is insurance like for these? I can't find any companies that actually insure them.
Been toying with the idea of one of these for summer, though I think an Atom 165 would be the most sensible idea so I didn't kill myself.
I often drive a friend's Atom around Monaco and it is a massive attention grabber. Given the number of Diablos, Spykers and wall to wall Californias that's a pretty cool achievement.
Driving up Beau Rivage - a steep hill - one chap stopped to take a picture. Unfortunately he was pushing a baby buggy at the time which started to roll as he took the picture. He caught it in time.
I followed one in traffic in Finchley a couple of weeks ago, and laughed to myself as the indicators were flasshing: they don't self cancel and you can't hear them so you tend to drive around with one or the other on.
Mark would you recommend the aero screens? My friends doesn't have them.
Simon
Driving up Beau Rivage - a steep hill - one chap stopped to take a picture. Unfortunately he was pushing a baby buggy at the time which started to roll as he took the picture. He caught it in time.
I followed one in traffic in Finchley a couple of weeks ago, and laughed to myself as the indicators were flasshing: they don't self cancel and you can't hear them so you tend to drive around with one or the other on.
Mark would you recommend the aero screens? My friends doesn't have them.
Simon
That tickled me. simonrockman said:
Mark would you recommend the aero screens? My friends doesn't have them.
Simon
If you're mate has an Atom 3 then, yes, absolutely. Given how small they are, they're effectiveness is impressive. People often point at them and laff thinking they're useless. They're not. IMO they're essential.Simon
Excellent write up, Hippy Boy
I can definitely testify to the Focus RS v RS4 comparison - because it was a cough friend of a friends cough RS4 that was involved. The Mountune Focus is an impressive bit of kit - far, far more capable point to point than the on-paper stats suggest.
Having said that H, it could well be you that comes to my rescue at Le Mans this year
Remember - 'never leave a man behind'
Oh, that Atom is half decent too - although I did find that the 3 point harness creased my expensive shirt when you gave me a lift up to the pub on Saturday
I can definitely testify to the Focus RS v RS4 comparison - because it was a cough friend of a friends cough RS4 that was involved. The Mountune Focus is an impressive bit of kit - far, far more capable point to point than the on-paper stats suggest.
Having said that H, it could well be you that comes to my rescue at Le Mans this year
Remember - 'never leave a man behind'
Oh, that Atom is half decent too - although I did find that the 3 point harness creased my expensive shirt when you gave me a lift up to the pub on Saturday
Edited by B.J.W on Tuesday 12th April 16:55
How does it compare in terms of thrills to say a 600cc sportsbike? Is it useable on the road, or do you find yourself reigning in your right foot all the time?
I really like the idea of something like an Atom but I'd be concerned that I could afford to buy three or four great bikes for the same kind of money and still have a bit of change left over... Plus I'd know I would have a good stab at using a 600 to a reasonable level on the road, whereas I'd be terrified of lines of traffic in the Atom.
What do you reckon? Any bike license holders driven an atom?
I really like the idea of something like an Atom but I'd be concerned that I could afford to buy three or four great bikes for the same kind of money and still have a bit of change left over... Plus I'd know I would have a good stab at using a 600 to a reasonable level on the road, whereas I'd be terrified of lines of traffic in the Atom.
What do you reckon? Any bike license holders driven an atom?
I am really impressed with the Atom (though I have yet to drive it or be a passenger in it) it looks like alot of great fun from what I gather.
Am tempted to get one in the future.
Btw very great review. Surprised you dont do any trackdays as I thought you might be into them given your choice of machinery.
Surprised no women are interested in this car. Bit disappointed people think it something knocked up in a shed.
My only request is if I did get one I would REALLY LIKE to put the BMW S54B32 Engine as has been used in the BMW E46 M3 CS/CSL cars. That would really make my day. Complete with a BMW M-Differential.
Had a quick look at the Atom website and their is a Quaife LSD option thats got to be a must-have.
Surprised it gets more attention than Ferraris and Lambos though.
I bet you must be right annoyed people jumping in the passenger seat or people stepping out dangerously to take photographs.
How does this Atom compare to Lotus Exige? I really like the Atom and the Lotus-Exige for the purity of the experience and their lightness as Colin Chapman would approve?
Thanks.
Am tempted to get one in the future.
Btw very great review. Surprised you dont do any trackdays as I thought you might be into them given your choice of machinery.
Surprised no women are interested in this car. Bit disappointed people think it something knocked up in a shed.
My only request is if I did get one I would REALLY LIKE to put the BMW S54B32 Engine as has been used in the BMW E46 M3 CS/CSL cars. That would really make my day. Complete with a BMW M-Differential.
Had a quick look at the Atom website and their is a Quaife LSD option thats got to be a must-have.
Surprised it gets more attention than Ferraris and Lambos though.
I bet you must be right annoyed people jumping in the passenger seat or people stepping out dangerously to take photographs.
How does this Atom compare to Lotus Exige? I really like the Atom and the Lotus-Exige for the purity of the experience and their lightness as Colin Chapman would approve?
Thanks.
356Speedster said:
If you're mate has an Atom 3 then, yes, absolutely. Given how small they are, they're effectiveness is impressive. People often point at them and laff thinking they're useless. They're not. IMO they're essential.
No, it's an Atom 2, 275. Can the aero screens be fitted?Currently waiting for a new battery or I would have been out in it today.
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