1985 Bitter SC vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1985 Bitter SC is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Bitter SC weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1985 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Bitter SC | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | SC | Elite |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2240 mm |
