1981 Bitter SC vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 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 56 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 600 kg more than 2003 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, 1981 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2310 mm |
