2003 Ariel Atom vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 is newer by 9 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 1628 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.
Because 2012 BMW 650 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ariel Atom. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom. 2012 BMW 650 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. 2012 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 650 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2855 mm |
