Ariel Atom vs Snowmobile Across a Frozen Lake

For the majority of the Northern Hemisphere, old man winter is finally beginning to calm down and make room for warmer temperatures and longer days. But before he lets go, there’s still time to squeeze in just a few more rounds of fun in some snow.

But which vehicle should you be using if you plan on spending some time traversing frozen landscapes? Usually a snowmobile will certainly do the trick, but what if you’re looking for a little extra agility and speed?

According to Ace Performance Products, “the Northeast dealer of the Ariel Atom,” and a video they uploaded to YouTube April 10, the Ariel Atom does quite a nice job, especially when equipped with Woody’s Grip-It Twist Screws.

(See Also: Ariel Introduces Nomad Off Roader)

They took to Alton Bay, New Hampshire’s ice runway, “the only FAA approved airport on ice in the contiguous United States,” and set the Atom with extra grip against a Polaris 800 Rush Pro-S snowmobile down the strip. The specs listed in the description state that the Polaris packs 160 hp from its 795 cc twin cylinder 2-stroke with a weight of just 431 pounds. The Atom weighs in at more than three times that weight, with 230 hp from a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Honda engine.

Can a power-to-weight ratio of .371 hp/pound for the Polaris snowmobile beat the Atom’s .175 hp/pound? Let us know in the comments below, and then watch the video above to find out. When you’re finished, check out our exclusive listings below to find yourself the perfect Atom for winter 2015/2016.

(Note: Do not attempt to recreate this stunt unless as a trained professional on a closed course under professional supervision. It is never advisable to bring a vehicle out onto a frozen surface, and the Editors at the duPont REGISTRY do not condone any illegal activity on or off the roads.)