Fun Factor: How much fun is it to own and drive an Ariel Atom?

**chilidog** · May 9, 2013, 07:16 AM

Last night I spent hours trying to find a discussion on just how much fun it is to own and drive an Ariel Atom. I couldn't find one. All I was able to find was the occasional post describing a fun, random event that had just happened.

So as someone interested in the Atoms, how much fun is it really? And do you ever sit back, pause for a moment, and think to yourself, "I drive and own one of the greatest pieces of automotive engineering ever created."?

**silver** · May 9, 2013, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by chilidog

Last night I spent hours trying to find a discussion on just how much fun it is to own and drive an Ariel Atom. I couldn't find one. All I was able to find was the occasional post describing a fun, random event that had just happened.

So as someone interested in the Atoms, how much fun is it really? And do you ever sit back, pause for a moment, and think to yourself, "I drive and own one of the greatest pieces of automotive engineering ever created."?

Possibly the reason is you can't describe how crazy this car really is, and even video doesn't do it justice.....but I shall try.

here's a few videos I think display the "FUN" of driving an atom

**silver** · May 9, 2013, 07:31 AM

sorry it won't let me post more than 1 video per reply

**silver** · May 9, 2013, 07:32 AM

not to mention walking away from v-10's like they are standing still....and this was when my car was stock

**bolus** · May 9, 2013, 10:13 AM

Well, for one, its terribly difficult to sip tea and listen to financial report on the radio. The scenery is all a blur when driving. People stare at you like they just crawled out of a cave and seen a car for the first time. I cant do anything with my hair before getting it because of the wind getting in the poorly sealed cabin. There is not once ounce of noise dampening which I think it is unforgivable mistake for such a priced car. The seats are not even heated. Its quite barbaric. It would be more classy if someone tied you to a tree and hurled it off a cliff. harrumph!

**silver** · May 9, 2013, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by bolus

Well, for one, its terribly difficult to sip tea and listen to financial report on the radio. The scenery is all a blur when driving. People stare at you like they just crawled out of a cave and seen a car for the first time. I cant do anything with my hair before getting it because of the wind getting in the poorly sealed cabin. There is not once ounce of noise dampening which I think it is unforgivable mistake for such a priced car. The seats are not even heated. Its quite barbaric. It would be more classy if someone tied you to a tree and hurled it off a cliff. harrumph!

you know how I know you're lying....you ain't got no hair!

**Norm** · May 9, 2013, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by bolus

Well, for one, its terribly difficult to sip tea and listen to financial report on the radio. The scenery is all a blur when driving. People stare at you like they just crawled out of a cave and seen a car for the first time. I cant do anything with my hair before getting it because of the wind getting in the poorly sealed cabin. There is not once ounce of noise dampening which I think it is unforgivable mistake for such a priced car. The seats are not even heated. Its quite barbaric. It would be more classy if someone tied you to a tree and hurled it off a cliff. harrumph!

Don't get me started on the cup holders ... Well and the wife just had spine surgery and looks at me like I am insane if I just propose a small little ride. Damn, no doors!

**FourFather** · May 9, 2013, 01:29 PM

Here is a short report of my first time to see an Autocross event--

http://arielatomchat.com/forums/thread1269.html

Eddie

**FourFather** · May 9, 2013, 01:36 PM

Here is a report written by a Corvette owner about his first ride in an Atom-and he posted it on the Corvette Forum-

http://arielatomchat.com/forums/thre...owner%27s+ride

The link above is on the Atom forum, and the one below is a direct link to the Corvette Forum post-

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/othe...ddie-hill.html

Eddie

**FourFather** · May 10, 2013, 12:52 PM

If you come to Eagles Canyon Raceway tomorrow, May 11, you can see first-hand how much fun the Ariel Atoms are.

Free admission to watch.

Link to Eagles Canyon- Eagles Canyon Raceway

We plan to again have our 2012 Ariel Atom 3 300HP, 1325 pound demonstrator/company car there, and you may well be amazed at how much quicker around the track the Atoms are, than just about anything else that shows up. I don't think there has ever been anything else with a license plate at the track when I was there, that could turn the lap times my Atom does. One minute and 57.9 second, best lap, last month.

Serious FUN!

Eddie