1983 Bitter SC vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Bitter SC weights approximately 1090 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. 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, 1983 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1983 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Bitter SC | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Bitter | Caterham |
| Model | SC | 7 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2230 mm |
