1971 Citroen SM vs. 1981 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 1981 Nissan Leopard is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Citroen SM 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 43 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Citroen SM weights approximately 256 kg more than 1981 Nissan Leopard. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Leopard 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 1981 Nissan Leopard. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Leopard. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1971 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Leopard.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Citroen SM | 1981 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Citroen | Nissan |
| Model | SM | Leopard |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2670 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2630 mm |
