1949 Allard J1 vs. 1972 Citroen SM
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 310 kg more than 1949 Allard J1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Allard J1 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 1949 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM, 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, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1972 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Allard | Citroen |
| Model | J1 | SM |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 2669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 25 L |
