2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1983 BMW 628
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 628. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 628 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 628 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 628 (181 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 628 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 628 weights approximately 1008 kg more than 2003 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, 1983 BMW 628 (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 628 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1983 BMW 628 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 628 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2788 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2640 mm |
