2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2006 BMW 530
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 2,979 cc, 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ariel Atom (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (23 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ariel Atom should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 1170 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, 2006 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2006 BMW 530 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. 2006 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2006 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 530 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2979 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2740 mm |
