2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2008 BMW 335
To start off, 2008 BMW 335 is newer by 5 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 335 weights approximately 973 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, 2008 BMW 335 (401 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2008 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 335 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2730 mm |
