Yeah, with a Clio V6 as the other oneNow that's the proper way to do a weekend car!
#winning
I'll do a thread sometime but here is one for you (seeing as you asked).
*snip*
545BHP/tonne supercharged madness. Go large, or go home.
I agree Atoms are expensive to buy but they aren't kit cars.
The issue with a kit car is always support, build quality and reliability etc.
Atoms are high quality, reliable, factory build, limited edition, high specification, sports / track day cars.
They look like kit cars but they are not the same. I totally get your comment tho.
They also retain their value very well with very low depreciation.
If you want the ultimate performance (barring aero) then Atom is the way to go unless you are utterly minted. It is almost impossible to go faster for less money.
AND they are utterly crazy!
I love it! I had a ride in a non V8 one and it was absolutely mad. I can imagine the full fat version being incredible!
I watched Chris Harris review it saying it wasn't that good handling wise as it was too stiff and couldn't get the power down - would you agree with that?
The issue with a kit car is always support, build quality and reliability etc.
Nice westy. I even like the colour-scheme!
What engine spec you running?
You hit the nail on the head with reliability. Your self build gave you reliability. ALL Atoms are reliable as the factory are spot on with the work they do. It is absolutely critical to the ownership experience. Well done for getting the same benefit at a cheaper price point, but i'm not as good with a spanner. So it wasn't an option for me.
Rose joints are a consumable on an Atom. I've had a one replaced already (done 4kmiles). If I get a few per year i'll be happy. Not too bad IMO.
The price you quote would be for all of them to be replaced for the entire suspension setup for all 4 wheels. Thats something you will not have to do often unless you don't clean / store the car correctly.
They fail as they get wet and lose lubrication and wear. You are supposed to grease them (which reminds me. LOL).
In comparison to other cars of similar performance the odd rose joint etc is nothing serious. The engine is strong and there is little else to go wrong. Its all relative. Having had other cars i know seemingly little things can easily cost you thousands. Most of these are not even applicable to an Atom as they are not even fitted. Its all simple mechanicals and the reliable engine. Add to that cheap servicing at the factory its not costly to run. It is also light on brakes and the clutches last well too. Tyres last as long as you want. If you drive like a loon the rears wear fast but they are cheap to replace.
I'm happy, and it looks you are too. Windscreens & roofs are for girls!
I watched Chris Harris review it saying it wasn't that good handling wise as it was too stiff and couldn't get the power down - would you agree with that?
I was at Bedford a while back and about 15 Atoms were there. Not a single one seemed to have decent traction or looked particularly planted, they were all a bit skittish and 'lively'.
Not a single person either driving them or passengering them got out without the worlds biggest grin on though, so they are doing something right
I think a weekend car has to be really special and frankly a fast saloon (for me) simply isn't special enough. M cars, RS Audis, AMG Mercs and suchlike, for me at least, are not special enough for weekend cars and is why I have used such cars as daily cars. I think the Atom above and Westfield thingy are ideal weekend cars and actually a GT3/RS is also another as most people would never put up with one daily.....unless you're an idiot like me.