1985 Bitter SC vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Bitter SC would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1985 Bitter SC. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Bitter SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 220 kg more than 1985 Bitter SC. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Bitter SC. (248 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Bitter SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Bitter SC | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Bitter | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SC | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2968 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
