2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1983 BMW 316
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,765 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 316 weights approximately 530 kg more than 2001 Ariel Atom.
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, 2001 Ariel Atom (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2001 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1983 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 316 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2630 mm |
