1971 Citroen SM vs. 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC would be higher. At 4,390 cc (12 cylinders), 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC (317 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1971 Citroen SM. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC should accelerate faster than 1971 Citroen SM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC weights approximately 70 kg more than 1971 Citroen SM. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC 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 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC. 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, 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC (363 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Citroen SM. (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Citroen SM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC | |
| Make | Citroen | Ferrari |
| Model | SM | 365 GTC |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 4390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 100 L |
