2005 Ariel Atom vs. 1991 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 Ariel Atom is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW 525 (143 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 525 weights approximately 1100 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, 1991 BMW 525 (260 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 1991 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
