1966 AC Cobra vs. 1972 Citroen SM
To start off, 1972 Citroen SM is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 AC Cobra would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 AC Cobra (410 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1972 Citroen SM. (173 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1972 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 303 kg more than 1966 AC Cobra.
Because 1966 AC Cobra 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 1966 AC Cobra. 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, 1966 AC Cobra (651 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1966 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 AC Cobra | 1972 Citroen SM | |
| Make | AC | Citroen |
| Model | Cobra | SM |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2669 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 25 L |
