I am thinking of getting the ariel atom as my 2 hour a week car. Currently I have a 997 that I got in Dec. 04 and only have 13,000 on the clock. My work and my son 2 and a half year old take most of my free time. I'm looking for any advice as I know they are completley different I'm struggling with giving up the luxury that the carrera offers over the atom. On the other I can't touch the performance with the 997. I know it's ridiculous but what would you choose and why?

 

I really love the Ariel Atom as a track only car!

I would not go driving around town in one - just too impractical, also I would not take my kids out in one on the public Hwy.

Keep the Carrera and buy another car for the track!

 

If its really only '2 hours a week' then I say go for it.

However, its not a car I'd want to cruise in on a sunday with a child. I really don't trust the safety aspect. A pair of helmets won't save any one from an f350 dualie or a tractor trailer.

Agree with the above poster. Get another car that offers the same feeling. Maybe a lotus super seven replica or Caterham or the likes. Same lightweight ideology, open sports car with awesome handling. Plus that would cost a third of an Atom.

Or, on the cheaper side, a lightweight BMW e30 with an engine swap. Obviously can't compare to the feel of the Atom, but would get closer than the 997 for a fraction of the price.

 

If you want to get it for change then fine but I wouldn't even think for a second to compare that to a carrera. It's like night and day difference. I don't think it even qualifies as a car. I would like to pull a Nacho Libre with that thing though

 

Have you gotten a ride in one or driven one yet?
If not, you may want to try out http://www.arielatomexperience.com/

The atom is not like any other car. I have to disagree with the previous poster that a caterham and an atom are similar. I believe the completely open nature of the car, the handling, the power to weight ratio, and the speed of the steering results in a feeling that this car is somewhere between insanely quicker and better handling then anything else and this car is on the edge of trying to kill you. This makes it unlike anything else that is street legal (at least that I have driven - and I have driven a caterham.)

The main question is probably what attracts you to the atom over the 911?
Also, if you haven't already, definitely check out http://forum.atomclub.com/

 

This isn't a bad idea.

Have you driven the Atom yet?

Considered a Lotus 340R as an alternative?

 

For track, Ariel atom is perfect.

 

Keep The 997 and Buy a Lotus Exige or Elise there are plenty used ones around for good prices.

 

thanks to everyone for the replies this is exactly what I was hoping for. I think I will take a drive in one and see for myself what it's like. And yes for the most part I can only drive this car about 2hours a week. I have to say I'm still considering the atom.

 

Here are some
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/list.asp?s=432