2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2009 BMW 330
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 1155 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 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2009 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 330 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| 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 | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2730 mm |
