1981 Bitter SC vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 1981 Bitter SC is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Bitter SC (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 125 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. 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, 1981 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 1981 Bitter SC has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 402 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 402 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Bitter SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | Bitter | Bristol |
| Model | SC | 402 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 77 L |
