2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2001 BMW M3
To start off, both 2001 Ariel Atom and 2001 BMW M3 were released in the same year (2001). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 1195 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, 2001 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2001 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
