2004 Ariel Atom vs. 2000 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 Ariel Atom is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 320 weights approximately 1135 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, 2000 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ariel Atom | 2000 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 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 | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2840 mm |
