1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 90 kg more than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1973 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Citroen |
| Model | Sapphire | SM |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 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 | 1360 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2960 mm |
