1981 Bitter SC vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Bitter SC 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 (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 700 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. 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 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Bitter | Caterham |
| Model | SC | C21 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2260 mm |
