2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2011 BMW 116
To start off, 2011 BMW 116 is newer by 8 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 116 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 116 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 116 weights approximately 908 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, 2011 BMW 116 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2011 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 116 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2660 mm |
