Crash protection
Discussion
After a very big moment at Silverstone, due to car in front dumping oil, i'm thinking about a cheaper track car than my RSR. Atom looks like a good contender, but im a bit concerned over the lack of full cage; like you can get on a Caterham.
Has anyone had a big off and are able to comment on protection from injury?
I really fancy an Atom, but leaning towards Caterham with cage....
...now leaning towards Atom. PM me if you are looking to sell a 300bhp Atom.
Has anyone had a big off and are able to comment on protection from injury?
I really fancy an Atom, but leaning towards Caterham with cage....
...now leaning towards Atom. PM me if you are looking to sell a 300bhp Atom.
Edited by Ultra Violent on Sunday 16th May 01:39
There have been a couple of big incidents in an Atom and overall they have faired very well. You have the strength of the chassis all around you, which absorbs a lot of the impact. You can also get a roll cage factory fitted. Join the Atom Forum and have a chat over there - http://forum.atomclub.com/
Atom's are generally believed to be pretty safe. I know of a few Caterham owners who have opted for them instead of non-caged Caterhams due to the much beefier side-protection.
Ariel do a much stronger MSA roll-bar too.
I've driven a lot of R500s recently, and have actually bought an R400D to sit alongside my Atom. The Atom is in a TOTALLY different league power wise. It genuinely feels like it has double the power of an R500. It also feels much more modern to drive, easy to get in/out and generally a bit better built e.g. stainless bolts, rose joints etc. The other advantage is fully adjustable 10-position suspension going from super plush to rock-hard for track in 30secs.
Downsides to the Atom are it's a little less direct (slower steering) and hasn't quite got the balance of the Caterham - takes a bit of practice to drive quickly on track. Once you've got it though - it is huge huge fun. I haven't taken my R400 on track yet, but however good (and fast) it is I can't imagine anything being more entertaining than the Atom.
Ariel do a much stronger MSA roll-bar too.
I've driven a lot of R500s recently, and have actually bought an R400D to sit alongside my Atom. The Atom is in a TOTALLY different league power wise. It genuinely feels like it has double the power of an R500. It also feels much more modern to drive, easy to get in/out and generally a bit better built e.g. stainless bolts, rose joints etc. The other advantage is fully adjustable 10-position suspension going from super plush to rock-hard for track in 30secs.
Downsides to the Atom are it's a little less direct (slower steering) and hasn't quite got the balance of the Caterham - takes a bit of practice to drive quickly on track. Once you've got it though - it is huge huge fun. I haven't taken my R400 on track yet, but however good (and fast) it is I can't imagine anything being more entertaining than the Atom.
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