Would you sell a Museum Quality Mk1 MX5 for an Ariel Atom ?

[carspath]

Would you sell a Museum Quality Mk1 MX5 for an Ariel Atom ?

I was so besotted by my 1993 long cranknose NA that 10 years ago another I bought anotehr just in case something happened one day to my pride and joy .

This second car was a totally immaculate 1991 long cranknose classic red with black cloth UK car which 27000 miles and truly no rust . It joined my tiny collection of sportcars and supercars and fits in perfectly as it represents one end of a particular spectrum relating to iconic cars .
Several of my cars are the Beaulieu Natonal Motor Museum Photographic Library Reference examples , including this MX5 NA .
I never thought that I would ever consider letting it o and have collected a vast amount of literature and models that relate to it .

Then last weekend i was takenout in an Ariel Atom and was totally smitten . This NA would have to go if I bought an Atom . I have not actually driven an Atom myself - only been a passenger in one .

Do any of you have experienec of the Atom ? I love the NA because it is so driveable . While this particular NA has been the ultimate garage queen , i so enjoyed the predictibility , agility , and revviness of my identically engined 1993 1.6i .

Are any of you able to tell me how an NA compares driving-wise against an Atom ?
Differences in absolute acceleration and speed are obvious , but how does the handling compare ?

The NA is an established icon , the Atom much less so .

Provenance-wise would you swap a Mk1 National Museum Reference Example for a bog standard Atom ?

My gut reaction to both questions is obviously No , but then the mad design , the mad acceleration , the mad sound of the Atom was truly mind-blowing .

But where could I use all this extra performance ( forgetting track work ) on UK roads ?

Who should I contact to get an idea of what my NA is worth ?

The Atom came across as a useable supercar - most genuine supercars are multiple times more expensive , much wider , require much more expensive servicing , garner much more unwanted attention .

So it would be a case of swapping an iconic classic sportscar for a junior supercar .

Thoughts please .

[Belle427]

There is no comparison driving excitement wise in my opinion as good as the MX5 is, ive not driven an Atom though.
Problem you have is who is going to pay the sort of money you want for the MX5?
As good as Atoms, Caterhams are to drive they can be the sort of car you only want to spend an hour in for a quick blast in perfectly dry conditions which is fine if thats what your after.
The NA MX5 is one of my favourite cars ive owned so far and that includes my current Elise 111R, but im of the opinion they just need a bit more excitement in the power department such as a Supercharger conversion, nothing silly but just something to give it an edge.
Great dilemma to have though.

[pewe]

I came to 5's from a Caterfield type car and would never go back.
In terms of practicality Maz is way up there.
I've toured with it (numerous trips to Italy the scenic way, two up plus luggage for a fortnight), done trackdays, Autosolos, meets and fast road trips.
Also because mine's supercharged the performance is "adequate".

I met a couple in an Atom at a motorway services one wet Sunday morning half way to a meet.
They were heading for home, looked like two drowned rats despite full motorcycle gear and the driver was complaing about it spinning up at speed in 5th gear on the motorway.

I suppose it's horses for courses.
If you want a mini supercar to use on high days and holidays and assuming the weather's favourable buy an Atom.
In all other cases stick to Maz.

[slime bomb]

No sarcasm intended but how old are you guys!

I'm 66, have a Caterham 420r and will be out all day long in a spirited manor plus, driving it to the Alps and beyond. I can't imagine just hopping in it for an hour. Horses for courses I suppose.