2002 Ariel Atom vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 11 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 1520 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom. 2013 BMW 5 Series has automatic transmission and 2002 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2002 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ariel Atom | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2968 mm |
