1971 Citroen SM vs. 1961 Maserati 3500
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Maserati 3500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Maserati 3500 would be higher. At 3,485 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Maserati 3500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Maserati 3500 (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Maserati 3500 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 120 kg more than 1961 Maserati 3500.
Because 1961 Maserati 3500 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 1961 Maserati 3500. 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, 1961 Maserati 3500 (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Maserati 3500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1961 Maserati 3500 | |
| Make | Citroen | Maserati |
| Model | SM | 3500 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 3485 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2610 mm |
