2001 Ariel Atom vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2001 Ariel Atom is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 518 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 900 kg more than 2001 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, 1990 BMW 518 (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 518 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
