Atom 4 - driving impressions

[Peter255]

Do you have the cat delete?

The new downpipe with decat or sportscat is an essential part of the 350 upgrade. So yes.

[travelbug63]

I am going for the traction control as well, (1) because I'm a wet blanket and (2) I'd like to keep it on the road !

Had a Tuscan up to about 3 months ago and that was pretty twitchy

[Colzo]

Thanks very much everyone for the feedback on your driving experience. I've lusted after an Atom and been long time lurker on the forum for a while now. I thoroughly enjoy reading about all your experiences in the Atom's. Until I get one of my own, I obtain my hit vicariously through you! No matter what iteration you own, you have a special and wonderful car.

I noted the comments about the improvements in the 4's road holding and cornering abilities. How does it compare with an Exige as a fast A or B road car?

[Peter255]

I am going for the traction control as well, (1) because I'm a wet blanket and (2) I'd like to keep it on the road !

Had a Tuscan up to about 3 months ago and that was pretty twitchy

I wouldn't describe the Atom 4 as twitchy. The suspension on the MDS is very impressive and well damped. It inspires confidence, not twitchy at all. But you need to bear in mind the remapped cars are putting down over 500 BHP / tonne and as such the acceleration is savage. It also comes it quite aggressively too so if you are on cold tyres or have un-even road surface take care. With some warmth in the tyres and smoothish tarmac there is no issue, but the roads can often be rubbish, and its chilly out there now.

This is not a "just nail it and hang on" 4WD saloon with traction and stability control! I am sure it will catch out the unwary. But that is the beauty. Its a proper weapon and needs to be tamed!

[wasp]

How does it compare with an Exige as a fast A or B road car?

It's an entirely different proposition. It's way, way more visceral and alive.
Naturally there are none of those crazy creature comforts, like a heater or stuff but it goes, stops and turns in an entirely different league, massively influences byu the weight, or more accurately the lack of it.

The Exige has a beautiful chassis and balance and is a great car but the Atom is just more of everything (or should that be less?)

Cheers,
Stu

[Colzo]

How does it compare with an Exige as a fast A or B road car?

It's an entirely different proposition. It's way, way more visceral and alive.
Naturally there are none of those crazy creature comforts, like a heater or stuff but it goes, stops and turns in an entirely different league, massively influences byu the weight, or more accurately the lack of it.

The Exige has a beautiful chassis and balance and is a great car but the Atom is just more of everything (or should that be less?)

Cheers,
Stu

Thanks for your reply mate. I would be using it primarily for road use, hence why I'm interested in the handling characteristics of the 4. The visceral nature and deranged performance of the Atom is exactly what attracted me. Life is too short for boring cars.

It's a shame that there haven't been more video reviews from the journos. That's why this read is so beneficial for prospective buyers.

Henry Catchpole's video is excellent, hopefully be a few more in the not too distant future.

[robfitz]

Only had the passenger ride in the red 320bhp car but it felt similar in pace to my s1 Elise which is 720kg with full tanks and has a 300bhp 2.2 bored and stroked Clockwise Honda k20 in it. It rides more comfortably than my Elise does on the road and clearly has a much greater sense of theatre / occasion given the nature of the car. I am looking forward to it - need to sell the Elise next year.

[Peter255]

Anyone else compared their digital speedo to GPS and seen how in-accurate it is!

[markwetherall]

Anyone else compared their digital speedo to GPS and seen how in-accurate it is!

Bit like the fuel gauge then. Complete fiction. Mine shows 10% fuel left when there is 20 litres left in the tank

[Peter255]

Mark,

The fuel gauge is a minor annoyance IMO. I can laugh at that. Standard Ariel.

The speedo is a little annoying. I am pretty sure mine is over reading by 10% maybe a little more. If i try to remain legal on the dual carriageway i get trucks thundering past me looking on in bemusement!

70 on the dash is a few mph over 60 on the GPS.

I will try to get a video to show you all....

[speedmachine]

Thats too big of difference, I’m sure this is just a setting.

[Karl V]

70 on the dash is a few mph over 60 on the GPS.

Have you put monster truck wheels on it Pete?

[Peter255]

70 on the dash is a few mph over 60 on the GPS.

Have you put monster truck wheels on it Pete?

No but I am running 6000 PSI on the rears Karl

[Tompy]

Had my first drive in the 4 yesterday.
And WOOOWW !!!!What a car!
Being cold outside when you push it rear tyres are happy to go sideways.
Now suspension is set all around on 7. ( 1 way adjustable)
Front a bit bouncy.
Some ideas for settings road use?
Many thx

[Peter255]

If it's anything like the 2 way MDS, 5 is set to medium. So start on 5 all round.

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