2001 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 11 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 (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2001 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 1275 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ariel Atom | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 328 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2810 mm |
