2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1988 BMW 520
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 1110 kg more than 2005 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2005 Ariel Atom has manual transmission. 2005 Ariel Atom will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1988 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 520 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
