2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2002 Ariel Atom
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ariel Atom. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ariel Atom would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2002 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 992 kg more than 2002 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2002 Ariel Atom | |
| Make | Alpina | Ariel |
| Model | B3 | Atom |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 1 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
