2004 Ariel Atom vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 815 kg more than 2004 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
