1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Bitter SC
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Bitter SC weights approximately 872 kg more than 1996 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, 1986 Bitter SC (249 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1986 Bitter SC has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Bitter SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 1986 Bitter SC | |
Make | Caterham | Bitter |
Model | 7 | SC |
Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2968 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 177 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 249 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1350 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2690 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 75 L |