2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1984 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 318 weights approximately 540 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Ariel Atom will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1984 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2580 mm |
