Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman vs Ariel Model E 500 (1939)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxmanstacks up against the Ariel Model E 500. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman | Ariel Model E 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1939 | 1928 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Weight | 164 kg | — |
| Seat height | 28 mm | — |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed | — |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Expanding brake (drum brake) |
| Tires | 3-27 / 3-27 | — |
Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman vs Ariel Model E 500 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman and the Ariel Model E 500 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Excelsior J. 14 500 Manxman brings its published horsepower in a 164 kg package, while the Ariel Model E 500 counters with its own power figure.
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: