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, 1973 Bitter CD (226 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Bitter CD should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 36 kg more 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, 1973 Bitter CD (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 Bitter CD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1760 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 |
