Head 2 Head Season 9 Episode 102 2017 Ariel Atom 3.5R vs. 2017 Caterham 620R: Who Needs Doors? (Or Windshields, Roofs, Fenders...)
- May 9, 2018
- 22 min
In this episode of Head 2 Head, two of the most extreme sports cars in the world facing off in a battle for track supremacy: the Ariel Atom 3.5R and the Caterham 620R. These are not your typical everyday vehicles, both of them are designed with one purpose in mind: going as fast as possible. They have no doors, no windshields, no roofs, and no fenders, just the bare essentials needed to achieve maximum speed and agility.
First up is the Ariel Atom 3.5R, which is powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 350 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It has a curb weight of just 1,212 pounds, which means it has a power-to-weight ratio of 0.29 horsepower per pound, making it incredibly fast off the line. The Atom also features a fully adjustable suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, and a limited-slip differential to help it handle the corners with ease.
On the other side of the track is the Caterham 620R, which is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine producing 310 horsepower and 219 pound-feet of torque. The 620R is slightly heavier than the Atom, with a curb weight of around 1,200 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 0.26 horsepower per pound. Despite its smaller engine, the 620R has an advantage over the Atom in aerodynamics, with a fully enclosed body that helps it generate more downforce and reduce drag.
The two cars go head to head in a series of challenges on the track, including a drag race, a handling course, and a hot lap. Each challenge is designed to test the strengths and weaknesses of each car, and to see which one comes out on top. Along the way, the hosts provide expert analysis and commentary on the performance of each vehicle, including their acceleration, braking, and handling capabilities.
In the end, only one car can be declared the winner, but both the Ariel Atom 3.5R and the Caterham 620R prove to be worthy competitors. They push the limits of what's possible in a sports car, and showcase the incredible engineering and design that goes into creating these high-performance machines. Whether you're a fan of speed, agility, or pure adrenaline, this episode of Head 2 Head is sure to satisfy.