2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Bitter SC
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 316 more horse power than 1981 Bitter SC. (177 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Bitter SC. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 600 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 552 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Bitter SC. (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Bitter SC.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Bitter SC | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Bitter |
| Model | SL | SC |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
