2005 Ariel Atom vs. 2007 BMW 318
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 318 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 1045 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, 2007 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 2007 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2770 mm |
