1971 BMW 3 vs. 1971 Citroen SM
To start off, both 1971 BMW 3 and 1971 Citroen SM were released in the same year (1971). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 70 kg more than 1971 BMW 3.
Because 1971 BMW 3 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 1971 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1971 Citroen SM | |
Make | BMW | Citroen |
Model | 3 | SM |
Year Released | 1971 | 1971 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2670 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 254 Nm | 235 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1450 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4900 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2950 mm |