Ariel Arrow vs Zündapp Z 249 (1959)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Ariel Arrowstacks up against the Zündapp Z 249. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Ariel Arrow | Zündapp Z 249 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1959 | 1924 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 249 cc | 249 cc |
| Horsepower | 16 hp | 3 hp |
| Weight | 150 kg | 76 kg |
| Seat height | 30 mm | — |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 L | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | 3-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3.25-16 / 3.25-16 | 2.25-24 / 2.25-24 |
Ariel Arrow vs Zündapp Z 249 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Ariel Arrow and the Zündapp Z 249 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Ariel Arrow brings 16 hp in a 150 kg package, while the Zündapp Z 249 counters with 3 hp at 76 kg.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike:

