1954 BMW 502 vs. 1974 Citroen SM
To start off, 1974 Citroen SM is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen SM (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen SM weights approximately 40 kg more than 1954 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 BMW 502 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 BMW 502. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1974 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1974 Citroen SM | |
| Make | BMW | Citroen |
| Model | 502 | SM |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 25 L |
