1981 Bitter SC vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Bitter SC. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Bitter SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 500 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| 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 | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| 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 | 850 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 |
