1988 Bitter Type III vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 Lotus Elan is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Bitter Type III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Bitter Type III would be higher. At 3,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Bitter Type III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Bitter Type III (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Bitter Type III should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Bitter Type III weights approximately 280 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Bitter Type III is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Bitter Type III. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Bitter Type III (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Bitter Type III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Bitter Type III | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Bitter | Lotus |
| Model | Type III | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3849 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2260 mm |
