1981 Bitter SC vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 27 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Bitter SC. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1981 Bitter SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 486 kg more than 1981 Bitter SC. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Bitter SC is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Bitter SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Bitter SC. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Bitter SC. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer has automatic transmission and 1981 Bitter SC has manual transmission. 1981 Bitter SC will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercury |
| Model | SC | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
