2000 Ariel Atom vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 2000 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2000 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 1355 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ariel Atom | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2760 mm |
