by GraemeW » Sun Jun 21, 2015 9:03 am
This week, the planets finally aligned, and I was able to get down to Somerset to drive one of these amazing cars. The long schlep down the A303 was worth it I thought, to finally decide on this important matter (to me).
Wow, what a great car, but I regret to say I am now even more undecided. The Atom didn't deliver the killer blow, brilliant as it was. The Atomic plusses for me were its looks, such a beautifully put together piece of engineering, which is a work of art. I just love it, a lot better looking than the Caterham. Driving the Atom, it is much more refined, less vibration and better screwed together with parts expertly elected to work together. The team at the Ariel factory are great, with a real passion and pride in their work and the car. You just know that will translate into a brilliant buying and ownership experience.
On balance I still think the Caterham is easier to drive and enjoy without having to concentrate too much. Its difficult to say if there is anything in it with two very short test drives. I really enjoyed both, but they're different. The Caterham, I took to quicker. Maybe there is a prize to be had when you get used to the Atom? Those seasoned Crate and Atom owners may have something to say on that.
However, what I did not expect was that I felt slightly more cramped in the Atom, and less comfortable. Just in comparison though. It was was still good, although I thought the seat could do with going back one more notch. It was already at the max, but I am 6'3".
There are some other factors, like the Caterham is about £10k cheaper based on models/specs I am considering. Not really a fair comparison I know. Also I quite like the idea of building the car.
I should stop over analysing and make a decision. Be decisive if I want any chance of having the new car by spring 2016, otherwise another six months will quickly pass before I have the chance to think about this again in my busy life!
This week, the planets finally aligned, and I was able to get down to Somerset to drive one of these amazing cars. The long schlep down the A303 was worth it I thought, to finally decide on this important matter (to me).
Wow, what a great car, but I regret to say I am now even more undecided. The Atom didn't deliver the killer blow, brilliant as it was. The Atomic plusses for me were its looks, such a beautifully put together piece of engineering, which is a work of art. I just love it, a lot better looking than the Caterham. Driving the Atom, it is much more refined, less vibration and better screwed together with parts expertly elected to work together. The team at the Ariel factory are great, with a real passion and pride in their work and the car. You just know that will translate into a brilliant buying and ownership experience.
On balance I still think the Caterham is easier to drive and enjoy without having to concentrate too much. Its difficult to say if there is anything in it with two very short test drives. I really enjoyed both, but they're different. The Caterham, I took to quicker. Maybe there is a prize to be had when you get used to the Atom? Those seasoned Crate and Atom owners may have something to say on that.
However, what I did not expect was that I felt slightly more cramped in the Atom, and less comfortable. Just in comparison though. It was was still good, although I thought the seat could do with going back one more notch. It was already at the max, but I am 6'3".
There are some other factors, like the Caterham is about £10k cheaper based on models/specs I am considering. Not really a fair comparison I know. Also I quite like the idea of building the car.
I should stop over analysing and make a decision. Be decisive if I want any chance of having the new car by spring 2016, otherwise another six months will quickly pass before I have the chance to think about this again in my busy life!