2005 Ariel Atom vs. 2010 BMW 320
To start off, 2010 BMW 320 is newer by 5 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2005 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ariel Atom.
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, 2010 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Ariel Atom. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ariel Atom | 2010 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ariel | BMW |
| Model | Atom | 320 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2810 mm |
