CharlesM505 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 29, 2022 8:01 pm
Nice car, congrats! Definitely interested in a build thread personally, think it's very interesting. Also be good to hear how you find it vs the Exige platform (s3 you had?).
Apologies in advance for the really really long answer!
Quite a few over the years, I had an S1 Exige (VHPD), S1 Exige (SC Honda K20), S2 S220, S2 S with komo 280 kit, S3, then a Cup260 which as a complete rebuild - on all of them they were rebuilt over the years to various levels.
Comparing them is tricky, as its biased as always. Driving there are some clear similarities, quite rear biased, trail braking a must, weight transfer important etc. I am a huge fan of the Lotus 111 platform, so its not me complaining about a car
Driving is much like the Exige - powerful energy transfer seems to be key, load the brakes, increase steering angle, trail brake to apex, etc - very similar - but I am finding the turn in more positive on the Atom. Exige S3 is really harmed by the very high C of G. Exige S3 is easier to drive fast, both are fun at all speeds, I don’t find either scary as some claim
Atom performance is a leap above any factory Exige, you need an S1 or early S2 with a K20 swap plus JRSC or Rotrex to get close to the power to weight. No exige has the smack around the face of the Atom, combined with being exposed its just more visceral . Brakes bite better on Exige as said elsewhere, stopping power actually better on Atom due to low weight so not an issue and better feel, just a difference to remember as you approach the first junction!
Both are event cars in a very different way, Exige gives you that mini group C feel, fishbowl windscreen, seeing the arches pointing to the centre of the car. Atom delivers its theatrics in a different way, seating position more purposeful (but better IMO) and lack of anything pointless or bodyworky add to the drama - both feel special in different ways
Exige v6 platform wins on sound and practicality without doubt
So as for the cars, Exige is best all rounder, Atom way more ballistic, but very well handling in A4 form, both cars quite similar in driving style needed – feels an easy transition
Build quality: Ariel is in another league, plan and simple -good components, well put together with care – frankly a joy to work on and look around compared to Lotus. Working on it is easier, Lotus designed for build not maintenance, Ariel I think were forced to do both due to lack of production line – so to do it at the Ariel factory, means its transferable to home mechanics. Not putting Lotus down, but the short sighted build quality has really got me down over the years
Support: Again Ariel are in another league. Lotus factory used to be good, now no form of communication, all parts on back order etc. Dealers also pretty bad IMO, they are now just service centres. Ariel ring up the factory have a chat and job done – a real pleasure as they seem so happy to help. However the Lotus community is amazing, from the specialists to the owners, the wealth of knowledge is outstanding, you want setup info – loads out there. You want to swap an engine, again a hundred guides and likely mates to show up for the swap. Got a niggle, someone has it before and tells you how to fix. With an Atom you will have a greater reliance on the factory both for talking through and doing if you don’t spanner – just the way it is. But I have had zero issues, just a setup question BTW. I was just blown away by the help. I would however like access to service guides, wiring diagrams etc that I can get with any other manufacturer
Reaction: Lotus always got a good reaction, they weren’t seen like a Porsche, but still seen as good cars so I didn’t get any negativity. But the Atom is treated with a whole new form of love. Driving this week I have never spoken to so many strangers, bikers, roadworks have been opened up for me so they can look, buying petrol is a 30 minute affair. Huge love for it, and brightens peoples days – it can slip into a bit of ‘leave me alone’ if you are naturally an introvert though!
Overall, I love the Atom. As an only car it would suck. But not only is the performance epic and a league above an exige, its just a blast to drive, its really enjoyable. Being forced to just drive, being so exposed to the world like you are is much more like a mountain bike ride – its sort of like a meditation as the experience is so different from any other car.
I accept its stupid, pointless, too much power, I’ll never use it, etc – but I adore it. Sitting against the M5 – its just the perfect two car garage, between the two I have everything with little cross over apart from obscene power and both I never want to stop driving
