1978 Bitter Diplomat vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1978 Bitter Diplomat is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bitter Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bitter Diplomat should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bitter Diplomat weights approximately 620 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 1978 Bitter Diplomat (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Bitter Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bitter Diplomat | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | Diplomat | Elite |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2490 mm |
