1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 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 83 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen SM weights approximately 770 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Abarth | Citroen |
| Model | 1000 | SM |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 25 L |
