1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1980 Bitter SC
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Bitter SC (178 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Bitter SC weights approximately 807 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1980 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 1980 Bitter SC has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Bitter SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1980 Bitter SC | |
| Make | Caterham | Bitter |
| Model | 1700 | SC |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2690 mm |
