1956 Buick 40 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 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,279 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Buick 40 (252 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1973 Citroen SM. (171 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Buick 40 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Buick 40 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 Buick 40. 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, 1956 Buick 40 (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1956 Buick 40 | 1973 Citroen SM | |
Make | Buick | Citroen |
Model | 40 | SM |
Year Released | 1956 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5279 cc | 2670 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 171 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 462 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 75 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2960 mm |