2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 7 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 1082 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, 2008 BMW 330 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2008 BMW 330 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. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 330 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
