1971 Citroen SM vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 770 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Because 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa 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 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. 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 Citroen SM (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 88 L |
