1971 Citroen SM vs. 1969 Ford Capri
To start off, 1971 Citroen SM is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,670 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Citroen SM (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1969 Ford Capri. (86 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1969 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 466 kg more than 1969 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Ford Capri. (141 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1969 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | SM | Capri |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66.8 mm |
| 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 | 984 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 89 L | 41 L |
