1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1981 Bitter SC
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Bitter SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Bitter SC would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Bitter SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Bitter SC (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 80 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Bitter SC 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 1981 Bitter SC. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Bitter SC. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Bitter SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1981 Bitter SC | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Bitter |
| Model | 156 | SC |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2690 mm |
