1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 1971 Citroen SM
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 33 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM.
Because 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air 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 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 1971 Citroen SM has manual transmission. 1971 Citroen SM will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 1971 Citroen SM | |
Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
Model | Bel Air | SM |
Year Released | 1953 | 1971 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3859 cc | 2670 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 235 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4900 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2950 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 89 L |