1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1973 Citroen SM
To start off, 1973 Citroen SM is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Citroen SM (171 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 265 kg more than 1973 Citroen SM.
Because 1970 Chevrolet Impala 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 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen SM. (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 1973 Citroen SM | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Citroen |
| Model | Impala | SM |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2670 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2960 mm |
