Performance Review: Ariel Atom V8 500 - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ariel Atom Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ariel Atom V8 500 is the 6 speed / Paddle Shift version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT and the 2009 Zenvo ST1 7.0 V8.This particular Ariel Atom has a 3000cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Atom shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Atom's Rear Wheel Drive, - combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 550 kgs (1212 lbs) this makes the Ariel Atom V8 500 in the same weight category as the 2013 Caterham 7 485 2.0L or the give or take 50kg.

The Ariel Atom shares the same bhp with the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp)

In terms of power the 3000cc 32V V8 engine produces 475 bhp (354 kW) @ 10500 rpm similar to the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 284 lb-ft (385.0 Nm) @ 7750 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ariel Atom you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2021 Rimac Nevera 1888bhp Electric AWD (878.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ariel Atom.

The Ariel Atom has a Power to weight ratio of 863.6 bhp per ton and 516.3 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 Atom competing with the 2021 Rimac Nevera 1888bhp Electric AWD (878.1 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 (863.6 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ariel Atom generating around 516.3 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2020 Iso Rivolta GTZ 6.2 V8 Supercharged (533.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo (531.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 2.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 2.4 secs, this made the Ariel Atom V8 500 as fast as the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Stradale 4.0 V8 Hybrid (2.30 secs) the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo (2.30 secs) the 2021 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 8.0 W16 Quad Turbo (2.30 secs) the or the 2019 Bugatti La Voiture Noire 8.0L W16 64 Valve Turbo (2.30 secs). This Ariel Atom V8 500 is also faster than the 2019 Ferrari SF 90 Stradale 4.0 V8 Hybrid (2.40 secs) the 2016 Bugatti Chiron 8.0 W16 Quad Turbo (2.40 secs) the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray 6.2 V8 Petrol Hybrid C8 (2.50 secs) the and the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid (2.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Atom and the 2017 Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG Cabriolet

When talking about the performance of the Ariel Atom on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 8.99 secs @ 152.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2017 Mercedes SL Class 63 AMG Cabriolet (8.95 secs), the 2020 Mercedes GT AMG 4.0 V8 Bi Turbo (8.95 secs), and the 2011 Morgan Aero Coupe 4.8L V8 (8.96 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Ariel Atom V8 500 has a maximum speed of 170mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 Atom equals the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (181 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 then how about the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo PDK 992 (181 mph), the 2022 Porsche 911 Carrera T 3.0 Turbo 992 (181 mph), or the 2019 Aston-Martin DBX 4.0 V8 Turbo (181 mph).

Related Links:

2008 Atom Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ariel

Car Comparison