2000 Ariel Atom vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 2000 Ariel Atom is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2000 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 740 kg more than 2000 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | M3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2690 mm |
