1954 Austin A vs. 1972 Citroen SM
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1954 Austin A. (130 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A weights approximately 523 kg more than 1972 Citroen SM.
Because 1954 Austin A 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 1954 Austin A. 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, 1954 Austin A (287 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A | 1972 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Austin | Citroen |
| Model | A | SM |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 89 L |
