2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 BMW 125
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 8 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 1065 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, 2009 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom. 2009 BMW 125 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. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2009 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 125 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2670 mm |
