2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 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, 2007 BMW 320 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 320 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
