1981 Bitter SC vs. 2008 Panoz Esperante
To start off, 2008 Panoz Esperante 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 4,589 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Panoz Esperante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Panoz Esperante (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Bitter SC. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Panoz Esperante should accelerate faster than 1981 Bitter SC.
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, 2008 Panoz Esperante (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Bitter SC. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Panoz Esperante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Bitter SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Bitter SC | 2008 Panoz Esperante | |
| Make | Bitter | Panoz |
| Model | SC | Esperante |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 4589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.1 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
