2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1996 BMW 840
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 1428 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, 1996 BMW 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2003 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1996 BMW 840 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 840 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2690 mm |
