Can an F1-like Ariel Atom 4R take down a BMW M4 Competition in a drag racing showdown? Mat Watson of CarWow wanted to find out, so he pit both vehicles against each other in a battle for the ages.
The Ariel Atom 4R is a stripped-down, road-legal track beast weighing just 665 kg (1,466 lbs). It’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic Type R, tuned to produce 400 hp (406 ps) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. With a six-speed sequential gearbox and rear-wheel drive, it boasts an insane power-to-weight ratio of about 610 hp per tonne. It’s priced around £80,000, but it’s more of a track toy than a daily driver—think scaffolding with wheels and no windscreen.
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LEGO Speed Champions BMW M4 GT3 & BMW M Hybrid V8 Race Cars, BMW Toy for Kids with 2 Buildable Models and 2 Driver Minifigures, Car Toy Birthday Gift Idea for Boys and Girls Ages 9 and Up, 76922
- 2 BMW toy vehicles for kids – LEGO Speed Champions BMW M4 GT3 & BMW M Hybrid V8 Race Cars for boys and girls aged 9+ and adult car-model collectors
- 2 minifigures – Each of the set’s BMW buildable cars comes with a driver minifigure with a helmet, wig and a wrench for kids to place behind the wheel and race around the track
- Authentic BMW M Motorsport design – Each LEGO BMW toy car features details from the real-life versions, including tailpipes, diffusers, rear wings, the BMW M Motorsport livery and interior features
$44.99
−$9.00
$35.99
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The BMW M4 Competition xDrive, on the other hand, is a luxury coupe tipping the scales at 1,775 kg (3,913 lbs)—over two and a half times heavier. It’s got a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 530 hp and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft), sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. It’s pricier at just over £91,000, but you get creature comforts like a heater and a roof, making it far more practical.
