Ariel Square Four
77/100 Overall
58 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Ariel Square Four vs Norton Commando 850
Ariel Square Four scores 77/100 overall against Norton Commando 850 on 82/100. On the road: 58–68. As classics: 95–95. Overall result: Norton Commando 850.
Photo: Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles · CC BY-SA 4.0
Norton Commando 850
82/100 Overall
68 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Ariel Square Four | Norton Commando | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 4 | 6 | Norton Commando |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 5 | 8 | Norton Commando |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 8 | 7 | Ariel Square Four |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 10 | Norton Commando |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Ariel Square Four |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 10 | 10 | Level |
Choose the Ariel Square Four if…
you want unique engineering, refined four-cylinder character and one of Britain's most distinctive luxury motorcycles.
Choose the Norton Commando if…
you want a fast, handsome British twin with excellent road manners and the distinctive Isolastic riding experience.
Background
History
Ariel Square Four
The Ariel Square Four was produced from 1931–1959 and used a air-cooled square-four engine. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Norton Commando
The Norton Commando 850 was produced from 1973–1977 and used a 828cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, character, historic importance. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Ariel Square Four
- Its production span in this library runs from 1931 to 1959.
- The recorded engine description is: air-cooled square-four engine.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, character, styling.
Norton Commando
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 828cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, character, historic importance.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Ariel Square Four
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Ariel Square Four. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Norton Commando
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Norton Commando 850. Its library score for styling is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Ariel Square Four
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Norton Commando
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Ariel Square Four
Rivals to the Norton Commando
Final result
The verdict
Norton Commando 850 wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Norton Commando 850 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.