1971 Citroen SM vs. 1966 Ford GT 40
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 314 kg more than 1966 Ford GT 40.
Because 1966 Ford GT 40 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 Ford GT 40. 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) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford GT 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1966 Ford GT 40 | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | GT 40 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1136 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1040 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 125 L |
