2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2003 BMW 318
To start off, both 2003 Ariel Atom and 2003 BMW 318 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 838 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, 2003 BMW 318 (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2003 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2730 mm |
