2004 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 1981 Bitter SC
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 23 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 103 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Bitter SC should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Bitter SC weights approximately 19 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1981 Bitter SC (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Bitter SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. 1981 Bitter SC has automatic transmission and 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Bitter SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | 1981 Bitter SC | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Bitter |
| Model | New Beetle | SC |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.6 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1331 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2690 mm |
