2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2007 BMW 550
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 1198 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom. 2007 BMW 550 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. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2007 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2890 mm |
