Zündapp K 500 vs Ariel 4F Square Four 500 (1940)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Zündapp K 500stacks up against the Ariel 4F Square Four 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecZündapp K 500Ariel 4F Square Four 500
Model year19401931
Price
Engine498 cc498 cc
Horsepower16 hp
Weight180 kg193 kg
Fuel capacity3.5 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission4-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Expanding brake (drum brake)
Tires3.50-19 / 3.50-19 3.25-19 / 3.25-19

Zündapp K 500 vs Ariel 4F Square Four 500 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Zündapp K 500 and the Ariel 4F Square Four 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Zündapp K 500 brings 16 hp in a 180 kg package, while the Ariel 4F Square Four 500 counters with its own power figure at 193 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: