1979 Bitter Diplomat vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Bitter Diplomat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Bitter Diplomat would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Bitter Diplomat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Bitter Diplomat (227 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Bitter Diplomat should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Bitter Diplomat weights approximately 760 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise. 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, 1979 Bitter Diplomat (419 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Bitter Diplomat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Bitter Diplomat | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | Diplomat | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 419 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2299 mm |
