1973 Bitter CD vs. 1996 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 Lotus Esprit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Bitter CD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Bitter CD would be higher. At 5,353 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Bitter CD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Esprit (285 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Bitter CD. (226 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1973 Bitter CD.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Bitter CD. (427 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Bitter CD. 1973 Bitter CD has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Bitter CD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bitter CD | 1996 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | CD | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 285 HP |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2420 mm |
