Understanding the ariel `model` range

[Antwerpman]

I understand that there has been a mk1 and mk2 ariel and a number of different engine outputs, could someone with a bit more knowledge than me fill in the missing bits and add some `meat` to the bones

As I understand it-

mk1 -
140bhp engine (what is it?)
160bhp k series engine (I assume this is the equivalent to an untuned elise engine?)
190bhp k series engine (I assume this is the equivalent to the tuned elise/exige engine)

mk2 -

220bhp honda vtec engine without hondata ecu and loom
245bhp honda vtec engine with hondata ecu and loom
275bhp honda vtec engine without hondata ecu and loom but with supercharger
300bhp honda vtec engine with hondata ecu and loom and with supercharger

if anyone can add anything to this or make any corrections to my assumptions I would be most grateful. Also what other differences are there between the mk1 and mk2

many thanks

A

[Bruce Fielding]

mk1 -
120bhp stock K series engine
140bhp K series with Power Train Projects stage 1 tune
165bhp K series with Power Train Projects stage 2 tune
190bhp k series with Power Train Projects stage 3 tune


mk2 -
160bhp honda engine
220bhp honda vtec engine
245bhp honda vtec engine with hondata ecu and loom
275bhp honda vtec engine with supercharger
300bhp honda vtec engine with hondata ecu and loom and supercharger

"Also what other differences are there between the mk1 and mk2?"

The Ariel Atom is under constant development. It's quite likely that a model made in May could be subtly different to one made in June.

So there are loads of differences, including minor chassis mods; brakes; suspension; electrics; component positioning; floor pan; seats; colour of the speedo needles; you name it... Then once an owner starts to spec it up, it changes more. And then once they get it home, they make even more modifications.

What's more interesting is what they have in common: handling, thrills, looks, and character.

[Antwerpman]

Thanks for the reply Bruce.

I never realised there was a 160 mk2!

Is the terminology mk1/mk2 only a description of the change to honda engines or were there some other substantial changes at that time to? I have heard that the mk1 had different handling characteristics from the mk2 -does anyone know if this is true and if so what these differences were and what was changed to effect them??