2002 Ariel Atom vs. 1998 BMW 330
To start off, 2002 Ariel Atom is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 935 kg more than 2002 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, 1998 BMW 330 (281 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 1998 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 330 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2730 mm |
