If you have enough delta-v to land on a hypothetical Mars without an atmosphere you've got enough to slow down for a gentle atmospheric entry that wouldn't burn

If you have enough delta-v to land on a hypothetical Mars without an atmosphere you've got enough to slow down for a gentle atmospheric entry that wouldn't burn you up. In terms of technical design creating a lightweight craft that can aerobrake to land on Mars is harder than the heavyweight craft that could do an airless powered landing. But once you factor in the booster requirements suddenly the atmosphere is making your job easier overall.