1973 Bitter CD vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1973 Bitter CD. (226 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Bitter CD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 166 kg more than 1973 Bitter CD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Bitter CD. (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Bitter CD.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Bitter CD | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CD | SL |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5353 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1724 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 80 L |
